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, November 22, 2020
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 22 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

“Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA
Nov 22 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Harris Teeter
Our local area Harris Teeter stores will be doing a “Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA, November 18 – December 29. Shoppers will be able to round up to the next dollar at checkout, and the difference will go to MANNA.
Free (and distanced) Photos with Santa + Mrs. Claus
Nov 22 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Image for Free (and distanced) Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Even Santa has to social distance this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t capture that special family photo. Join the Asheville Downtown Association at Rabbit Rabbit located at 75 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three sessions will be offered including Saturday, November 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm; Saturday, November 21 from 3-5pm; and Sunday, November 22 from 12-2pm.

Note: For both Saturday sessions, we will have professional photographer Max Ganly. Photos from Saturday will be posted to the Asheville Downtown Association website the following week, and you can download your image for free. We will not have professional photography on Sunday, November 22, but you’re welcome to snap your own pictures.

To ensure social distancing, families are asked to RSVP for a FREE time slot and table for their group size. Groups will be asked to stay at their assigned table and be called up in the order they arrived. Face coverings or masks are required for all participants (even Santa and Mrs. Claus!).

Session 1: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11:30am-1:30pm, click here. Doors will open at 10:30am.

Session 2: To register for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 3-5pm, click here. Doors will open at 2pm.

Session 3: To register for Sunday, Nov. 22 from 12-2pm, click here. Doors will open at 11:30am.

Guests do not need to arrive right as doors open. We will seat groups throughout the sessions.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Nov 22 @ 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Nov 22 @ 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The N.C. Arboretum

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021

5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.

Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.

Monday, November 23, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 23 all-day
Online

Make your holidays merry, bright and a culinary delight with the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. Before you go out or order in for your special holiday evenings, make sure that your favorite restaurant is open for business! Check the AIR Holiday Hours – a complete list of AIR restaurant’s special holiday hours from Thanksgiving to ringing in the New Year! These will be updated often, so please check in throughout the season! View Holiday Hours here –

Black Friday + Small Business Week Asheville Art Museum
Nov 23 all-day
Asheville Art Museum and Online

The Museum Store joins the Asheville Downtown Association and local shops during Small Business Week. Receive 10% off all Asheville Art Museum logo items in-store and online, and 10% off any one item in-store (excludes artist consignment items). Shoppers receive one raffle ticket per $25 spent in the Museum Store to enter to win one (or more) of five $20 gift certificates to select local businesses.

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 23 all-day
Online

Gift box on wooden table. Text:
              Community Champion Giveaway. A way to give thanks this
              holiday season. Flat Rock Playhouse logo.

This holiday season, we are profoundly grateful to the community members who have worked tirelessly during this challenging year to keep their families, friends, and neighbors safe, fed, and cared for. That’s why Flat Rock Playhouse is spreading some extra holiday cheer with a Community Champion Giveaway!

Nominate an exceptional individual who has gone above and beyond to help others this year.  Once completed, your nominee will be entered to win one complimentary link to A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas: A Virtual Production running Nov. 30 – Dec. 20. Contest runs for one month: 11/13 through 12/13.

Shop Local: Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Nov 23 all-day
Online

Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Did you know that Amazon’s net sales for Q4 are expected to be $121 Billion and to grow 38% compared with fourth quarter 2019 numbers? Clearly in this pandemic, they are the big winner. Y’all… there has NEVER been a more critical year to SHOP LOCAL! Please show your love and support of our amazing local business community which truly has all you could ever need- a vintage dress, wall tapestry, piece of pottery, growler of beer or endless gift cards to your favorite Asheville restaurants. Get some ideas here:  shops , restaurants , breweries , and more.
Shop Small Save + Win BIG Asheville Small Business Week
Nov 23 all-day
Online

Image for Shop Small Save & Win BIG

It’s not just Small Business Saturday, it’s Small Business Week! This allows shoppers to spread their shopping out over several days so we can stick to social distancing. Some businesses are also offering Small Business Week raffles and the prizes include gift cards to downtown businesses. The more you spend, the better your chances. Check out who’s offering special deals and hosting raffles here.

Thanksgiving 2020 Safety Tips
Nov 23 all-day
Online

Table with turkey, mashed potatoes,
                                                          and stuffing

With COVID-19 hotspots surging around the country, check out guidance from Buncombe County Health and Human Services to stay safe and avoid risky activities this Thanksgiving.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 23 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

“Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA
Nov 23 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Harris Teeter
Our local area Harris Teeter stores will be doing a “Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA, November 18 – December 29. Shoppers will be able to round up to the next dollar at checkout, and the difference will go to MANNA.
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas A Virtual Production  On Sale Now
Nov 23 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

The tradition continues with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. For the past four years, we have been able to celebrate the holidays with our community and beloved patrons through our Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas productions. This year, we are all celebrating the holidays a little differently, so we’re bringing the Christmas show to your home! Experience the magic and merriment with your favorite Vagabonds on stage and around town. This year’s one-of-a-kind production was filmed on the Rock and in Hendersonville and captures the spirit of the holidays like never before with dancing on Main Street, fireside singing, stunning performances on stage, and a virtually connected chorus. Featuring favorites old and new like “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “This Christmas,” and many more.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas, A Virtual Production was filmed on location at Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, Flat Rock Playhouse, Kanuga Conference Center, and Main Street in Hendersonville. Filming adhered to all state and county guidelines regarding Covid-19.

Celebrating the 28th annual Ingles Giving Tree
Nov 23 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

For those who do not wish to attend in person, the lighting will be broadcast live on WLOS, between 5:30 and 6:00pm, and streaming live on WLOS’ website.
With the huge increase in the need for food, Ingles is making it easy for anyone in WNC to help: all Ingles stores in the 16 counties of MANNA’s service area will have $5- and $10-dollar Ingles Giving Tree icons for purchase at checkout, representing 20 and 40 meals that will benefit the families MANNA serves. For every dollar donated, MANNA can provide 4 meals to people facing hunger right now.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Nov 23 @ 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Nov 23 @ 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The N.C. Arboretum

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021

5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.

Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 24 all-day
Online

Make your holidays merry, bright and a culinary delight with the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. Before you go out or order in for your special holiday evenings, make sure that your favorite restaurant is open for business! Check the AIR Holiday Hours – a complete list of AIR restaurant’s special holiday hours from Thanksgiving to ringing in the New Year! These will be updated often, so please check in throughout the season! View Holiday Hours here –

Black Friday + Small Business Week Asheville Art Museum
Nov 24 all-day
Asheville Art Museum and Online

The Museum Store joins the Asheville Downtown Association and local shops during Small Business Week. Receive 10% off all Asheville Art Museum logo items in-store and online, and 10% off any one item in-store (excludes artist consignment items). Shoppers receive one raffle ticket per $25 spent in the Museum Store to enter to win one (or more) of five $20 gift certificates to select local businesses.

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 24 all-day
Online

Gift box on wooden table. Text:
              Community Champion Giveaway. A way to give thanks this
              holiday season. Flat Rock Playhouse logo.

This holiday season, we are profoundly grateful to the community members who have worked tirelessly during this challenging year to keep their families, friends, and neighbors safe, fed, and cared for. That’s why Flat Rock Playhouse is spreading some extra holiday cheer with a Community Champion Giveaway!

Nominate an exceptional individual who has gone above and beyond to help others this year.  Once completed, your nominee will be entered to win one complimentary link to A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas: A Virtual Production running Nov. 30 – Dec. 20. Contest runs for one month: 11/13 through 12/13.

Shop Local: Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Nov 24 all-day
Online

Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Did you know that Amazon’s net sales for Q4 are expected to be $121 Billion and to grow 38% compared with fourth quarter 2019 numbers? Clearly in this pandemic, they are the big winner. Y’all… there has NEVER been a more critical year to SHOP LOCAL! Please show your love and support of our amazing local business community which truly has all you could ever need- a vintage dress, wall tapestry, piece of pottery, growler of beer or endless gift cards to your favorite Asheville restaurants. Get some ideas here:  shops , restaurants , breweries , and more.
Shop Small Save + Win BIG Asheville Small Business Week
Nov 24 all-day
Online

Image for Shop Small Save & Win BIG

It’s not just Small Business Saturday, it’s Small Business Week! This allows shoppers to spread their shopping out over several days so we can stick to social distancing. Some businesses are also offering Small Business Week raffles and the prizes include gift cards to downtown businesses. The more you spend, the better your chances. Check out who’s offering special deals and hosting raffles here.

Thanksgiving 2020 Safety Tips
Nov 24 all-day
Online

Table with turkey, mashed potatoes,
                                                          and stuffing

With COVID-19 hotspots surging around the country, check out guidance from Buncombe County Health and Human Services to stay safe and avoid risky activities this Thanksgiving.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 24 all-day
Online or In Person Barnes + Noble
UWABC Holiday Book Drive 2019Holiday Book Drive

The eighth annual Holiday Book Drive is taking place November 1-December 12, 2020 thanks to the generous support of Capstone Health Alliance and Barnes & Noble Asheville. Despite the challenges of this year, United Way’s Women United is once again joining forces with our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to collect books for elementary and middle school youth for the holidays and show them what we’re able to do when we come together and Live United. All donated books will be distributed to programs serving diverse, underserved communities throughout Buncombe County.

Last year 2,800 books were collected both online and through our wonderful program partner Barnes & Noble Asheville. Since the drive’s inception nearly 13,000 books have been collected to support our local students thanks to your generosity and care.

“Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA
Nov 24 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Harris Teeter
Our local area Harris Teeter stores will be doing a “Harvest Feast Round-up Campaign” to benefit MANNA, November 18 – December 29. Shoppers will be able to round up to the next dollar at checkout, and the difference will go to MANNA.
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas A Virtual Production  On Sale Now
Nov 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

The tradition continues with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. For the past four years, we have been able to celebrate the holidays with our community and beloved patrons through our Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas productions. This year, we are all celebrating the holidays a little differently, so we’re bringing the Christmas show to your home! Experience the magic and merriment with your favorite Vagabonds on stage and around town. This year’s one-of-a-kind production was filmed on the Rock and in Hendersonville and captures the spirit of the holidays like never before with dancing on Main Street, fireside singing, stunning performances on stage, and a virtually connected chorus. Featuring favorites old and new like “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “This Christmas,” and many more.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas, A Virtual Production was filmed on location at Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, Flat Rock Playhouse, Kanuga Conference Center, and Main Street in Hendersonville. Filming adhered to all state and county guidelines regarding Covid-19.

Southside Garden Thanksgiving Celebration Seeking Volunteers
Nov 24 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Arthur R Edington Education & Career Center
We will be celebrating and sharing pre-packaged food prioritizing Southside Public Housing Residents, doing garden activities, and hosting a socially distanced art show. If you would like to support the garden you are invited to volunteer or donate at this link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=8UM7X4DPJAQQL
We are looking for Volunteers to help support a community celebration and fundraiser for the Southside Community Garden. The event will be on Tuesday November 24th from 2-5pm at the Edington Center and in the Southside Community Garden located directly behind the center.
Volunteers are needed in advance of the event on Sunday Nov. 22 1:30-4:30pm to pass out flyers in the neighborhood alerting community members and sharing details. We will need 6-8 volunteers to attend a training with some historical information about the neighborhood and best practices. The training will be at the Edington Center on Nov. 22nd beginning at 1:30. The flyering will begin immediately after the training with volunteers going to different segments of the Southside community.
Volunteers will also be needed on the day of the event to help pass out pre-packaged food at a curbside pick up and hot cider in the garden, and to assist with set up and clean up.
Please fill out this form if you would like to volunteer or respond to this email if you would like more information. https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe7fIHM8ds…/viewform…
This is a celebration and also a fundraiser for the Southside Garden which is located in a historically Black neighborhood that is under threat of gentrification. This neighborhood is technically a food desert, and even though it is close to Mission Hospital, residents have a high percentage of negative health outcomes. The goal of the garden is to create pathways to health and economic sustainability. Donations will fund programs for neighborhood residents in garden maintenance and stipends for staffing, as well as educational programming for youth in the garden. If you are not able to volunteer at the event, but would like to donate please follow this link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=8UM7X4DPJAQQL
West Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday markets and special events feature local food, wellness, and gifts for the season
Nov 24 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
West Asheville Tailgate Market

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.

WATM Flier.png

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Nov 24 @ 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
Nov 24 @ 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The N.C. Arboretum

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021

5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.

Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.