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 29, 2020
History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 29 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Thursday, December 3, 2020
Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance: Hoedowns, Reels, Frolics Lecture
Dec 3 @ 7:30 pm
Online

featured-media

Next Stage Arts Project and the Putney Historical Society present “Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance,” a virtual lecture by scholar of traditional music and dance, Phil Jamison, on Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The southern Appalachian square dance is a hybrid dance form that developed in the American South during the nineteenth century, and like the Appalachian musical traditions, these dances reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the region.  In this Zoom event, Phil examines the multicultural roots and historical development of these dances and identifies the components of earlier European, African, and Native American dance forms that combined to make them uniquely American.  He will also discuss African-American and native American musicians and callers who at one time were present in New England. These include African-American musician and barber John Putnam (1825–1895), who was active as a fiddler and dance prompter in Greenfield, Massachusetts during the nineteenth century.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Putney Historical Society.  For more information and to register for the Zoom, visit www.nextstagearts.org.

Phil Jamison is nationally known as a dance caller, old-time musician, flatfoot dancer, and scholar of traditional  Appalachian dance. A 2017 inductee to the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, he has called dances, performed, and taught at music festivals and dance events throughout the U.S. and overseas since the early 1970s, including forty years as a member of the Green Grass Cloggers. Over the last thirty years, Jamison has done extensive research in the area of Appalachian dance, and his book Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance(University of Illinois Press, 2015) tells the story behind the square dances, step dances, reels, and other forms of dance practiced in southern Appalachia. He has given numerous presentations on Appalachian dance – from the Smithsonian Institution to Beijing, China – and he teaches Appalachian music and dance at Warren Wilson College, in Asheville, North Carolina, where for twenty-five years, he served as coordinator of the Old-Time Music and Dance Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. http://www.philjamison.com/
Friday, December 4, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 4 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

Saturday, December 5, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 5 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

Sunday, December 6, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 6 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

ECD AnneMarie Walter, Leader
Dec 6 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Homewood
ECD AnneMarie Walter, Leader.  Music:  Cathy Arps, fiddle; Suzanne Hosch, flute; Janet Muse, piano.

3:30pm-4:00pm, Pre-Dance Workshop – Regular dancers assisting Beginners with basic ECD dance figures.

4:00pm-6:30pm, Dance

All are welcome; no partner necessary; wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bring a snack from time to time to share at the break; fragrance-free dance.

Monday, December 7, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 7 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 8 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

The Greene Space: Live from New York
Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm
Online

The Greene Space: Live from New York
In episode eleven of this series, host Adam Hamway shares what a few local musicians, comedians, dancers and animators can do from their apartments on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00pm ET. Don’t miss performances by New York artists! This program streams on the Greene Space websiteYouTube, and Facebook, and is available for archived viewing.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 9 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

Thursday, December 10, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 10 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

Virtual Meeting – Discord Server with Unity Game Developers WNC
Dec 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

Join us virtually on Discord. This week we will meet online in the meetup group’s Discord Server.

This group is for anyone interested in game development, 2D/3D graphics, animation, virtual reality, etc with the Unity game engine. All skills levels are welcome!

YPA Holiday Hoopla- Members Only
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Archetype Brewing Tap Lounge + Venue

Hip Hip, HOORAY for the Holidays! (We could all use some holiday cheer!)
Join us for our annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 10th from 6:30pm-9:30pm at Archetype Brewing on Broadway (not West Asheville) on their outdoor patio space (yes, we promise there will be heaters!). Their main bar area will be open as well! 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!
𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴! If beer isn’t your thang- they also have wine as an option. Dress in your 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒎, 𝑪𝒐𝒛𝒚, 𝑻𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 for a chance to win some cool prizes in our Tacky Sweater contest!
Also, we will be running a canned food drive to benefit Manna Food Bank, so brings some canned, non-perishable foods to give back this holiday season.
Like our last social- this event will be capped, 𝘀𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗣𝗔 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱. In accordance with Phase 3 guidelines, we will cap the attendance at 50 of our members, and you can RSVP at the link provided. We will also be doing quick temperature checks at sign-in to help keep things safe. We look forward to seeing everyone in person, but of course masks are required for the event when not eating or drinking, and we will be following the usual state and local COVID guidelines.
Use the link in this event to sign up for a slot. Not a member, but want to attend? Sign up at www.ypasheville.org.
Friday, December 11, 2020
Royal Opera House: Ballet Evolved
Dec 11 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Royal Opera House:
Ballet Evolved

Through demonstrations, discover how barre work has changed considerably over the last 200 years.

Friday, December 18, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 18 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Saturday, December 19, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 19 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Social Distance Saturdays Theatre Games Ages 10-11
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Come play fun and socially distanced theatre games with Amanda on ACT’s Mainstage!

The safety of all students and teachers is important to ACT. Masks will be required at all times during the class and everyone will remain socially distanced for all games while inside on the ACT Mainstage with added ventilation. Parents are asked to remain in their cars nearby for the duration of class. We ask that all students arrive 10-15 minutes before their class time to accommodate temperature checks. This class is in-person, with no virtual option. If your child is medically unable to wear a mask for 50 minutes, please check out one of ACT’s many virtual class options instead!

 

Student Ages: 10-11 (Or with prior permission from Amanda Klinikowski. Please reach out to Amanda BEFORE registering for class!)

Social Distance Saturdays Theatre Games Ages 12-15
Dec 19 @ 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Come play fun and socially distanced theatre games with Amanda on ACT’s Mainstage!

The safety of all students and teachers is important to ACT. Masks will be required at all times during the class and everyone will remain socially distanced for all games while inside on the ACT Mainstage with added ventilation. Parents are asked to remain in their cars nearby for the duration of class. We ask that all students arrive 10-15 minutes before their class time to accommodate temperature checks. This class is in-person, with no virtual option. If your child is medically unable to wear a mask for 50 minutes, please check out one of ACT’s many virtual class options instead!

Sunday, December 20, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 20 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Burlesque Brunch
Dec 20 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!
  • 18 +
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM 

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

End-Of-Year English Country Dance
Dec 20 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Homewood
ECD Festive End-Of-Year Dance. Bob Thompson, Leader; Music, TBA

Join us for our festive End-Of-Year English Country Dance celebrating another fine year of English Country Dance! Wear your finest bling and sparkles.
Homewood;

3:30pm-4:00pm, Waltzing. No Beginners’ Workshop today.

4:00pm-6:30pm, Dance

All are welcome; no partner necessary; wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bring a festive snack to share at the break; fragrance-free dance.

Monday, December 21, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 21 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 22 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 23 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Rec N Roll-Klondyke
Dec 23 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Klondyke

The Rec n Roll mobile recreation unit is headed to your neighborhood! This free program offers all sorts of games and activities the whole family can enjoy. Come out and Play! *Weather Permitting.

Image may contain: text that says 'Rec η Roll'

Thursday, December 24, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 24 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

DEEP DIVE with Barbara Marlowe
Dec 24 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Movement Center

DEEP DIVE is a 5Rhythms movement exploration of deep listening with Barbara Marlowe. How can our bodies trust us if we don’t listen? This internal oriented dance is great for all ranges of movement including limited and chair bound. Move at your own speed.
Bring dancing shoes and water. Arrive on time. Doors close at 10:45.

City Dance
Dec 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, December 25, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 25 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.

Saturday, December 26, 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season
Dec 26 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Around The Web

Live-streamed performances, resources, and activities we love from around the web, updated regularly.

Alvin Ailey: Ailey Forward
Enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first-ever online season. Available to stream from December 2-31, this incredible series of premieres, collaborations, behind-the-scenes talkbacks, and unique Alvin Ailey highlights from the past 60 years will leave you inspired and wanting more. All events are family friendly, and free to enjoy with no registration required.