Calendar of Events

Gather your friends and family (of drinking age) for hilarious and sometimes hazardous stories by comics and regular folks where the drink did them in. This is an audience interactive show!!

The title of this party says it all. Drag DJ Ganymede knows how to throw a Big Gay Party. With dance music all night, the gayness of it all will course through your veins. Party until 2am. Cover $5 members, $8 new members. 21+

Have you ever wished upon a star? If not NOW is your chance! Enjoy an evening under the stars observing the Geminids Meteor Shower at our historic, mountaintop, Internationally Certified Dark Sky Park! The Geminids meteors are often bold, white, and bright. On a dark night, you can often catch 50 or more meteors per hour in a dark, moonless sky. The greatest number of meteors typically fall in the wee hours after midnight. Astronomers and telescopes will also be available earlier in the evening to view the dark skies.

PARI is offering two ticket options to this event. The first is an EVENING TICKET to enjoy observing the meteor shower and the night sky through PARI telescopes. The second option is the OVERNIGHT CABIN PACKAGE for two people that includes dinner, a tour, sunset hike, observing the meteors, night sky observing, an overnight stay in a cabin quarter, and breakfast.

The overnight cabin package is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be given unless PARI cancels the event.

Join Dianne Boes & Greg Candle for an evening of holiday spirit mixed with classic country, old blues, originals & duelettes…humorous & heartfelt songs…and storytelling!
The Candleers consist of Dianne Boes and Greg Candle. They love to play John Prine, Hank Williams Sr., classic country, old blues and folk, as well as their own originals. Dianne played music at her church while raising a family and working as a pharmacist. Greg taught for twenty years before spending fifteen years performing his original stories and songs on the banquet circuit. When they met they discovered they both had an affinity for roots and original music.

This concert is free and open to the public; donations are encouraged to support the musicians and sound people. Please wear a mask. Livestreamed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FloodGallery

Photos by Mark Kirby

7 miles | Moderate Forest Walk, Holiday Celebration

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at Cataloochee Ranch for a moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike to Hemphill Bald, focusing on Winter Tree Identification. On the hike, we will explore strategies to identify trees in winter — such as examining bark patterns, community types, the form of the tree, and more. This hike is free for SAHC members and $10 for non-members!

Have you spent hours learning how to identify trees by their leaves, only to have them all drift away come winter? Well, lucky for you, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will be leading a hike on Saturday, December 18, to Hemphill Bald, focusing on Winter Tree Identification. On the hike, we will explore strategies to identify trees in winter — such as examining bark patterns, community types, the form of the tree, and more.

This moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation change of 900 feet begins on a road used for hiking and horseback riding. Expect to see mountain streams and lovely cove hardwood forest mixed at times with hemlock stands and the ever-present rhododendron and mountain laurel. At the top of the ridge, the woods are replaced by open high altitude pastureland, and there is the chance for superb views of four counties and a number of mountain tops, including Cold Mountain, Crabtree Bald, Mt. Pisgah, and many others. The only difficult part of the hike is the last climb to the top. At the top is a stone table, moved there by Tom Alexander, Jr. and placed in the memory of his parents, Tom and Judy Alexander, founders of Cataloochee Ranch.

This hike is currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please fill out the form below. 

Come get your dance on — let’s ring in the New Year together with a fully conscious, alcohol-free, playful and pleasurable evening together.

Hosted at Making Whole by SeekHealing. Evening will begin at 7pm with a meal and facilitated Connection Practice meeting focused on setting intentions for the new year.

Dancing begins at 9:30pm; mixture of live DJ sets and playlists: electronica, hip-hop, house, glitch-hop, and vapor-twitch.

In addition to the evening meal, SeekHealing will be providing a classy mocktails bar and also serving a variety of delicious, infused water.

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! A Park Ranger will offer an informative discussion about the Park’s history while the group strolls, hikes or bikes up to the 3.2-mile entrance road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants!

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required. Please visit North Carolina State Park website for additional information.

Join PARI on Friday, January 7, 2022 as we celebrate the largest planet in our solar system! 412 years ago this week Galileo Galilei spotted the four brightest moons of Jupiter and in honor of that monumental discovery we are sharing our best telescopes and internationally certified dark sky park to observe this planet, the moon and other fantastic objects you can only see with a telescope! Grab your coats, hot coffee or hot chocolate, friends and family then come to PARI for an unforgettable winter night.

Preregistration Is Required!

Join PARI on Friday, January 7, 2022 as we celebrate the largest planet in our solar system! 412 years ago this week Galileo Galilei spotted the four brightest moons of Jupiter and in honor of that monumental discovery we are sharing our best telescopes and Internationally certified dark sky park to observe this planet, the moon and other fantastic objects you can only see with a telescope! Grab your coats, hot coffee or hot chocolate, friends and family then come to PARI for an unforgettable winter night.

PARI is typically cooler than surrounding areas so make sure you dress appropriately for outdoor viewing.

Thursday January 13, 2022
Slice of Life Comedy presents the return of comedy night at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge in Asheville, NC.
(Slice of Life Comedy has been producing quality, premier comedy shows at the Orange Peel for over 10 years)
Featuring Hilliary Begley:
Voted this year’s Best Comic of WNC Mountain Xpress Reader’s Poll. Seen on Netflix & Amazon Prime
Pulp Lounge is located at 103 Hilliard Ave, around the corner from the Orange Peel’s Box Office entrance
Hosted by one of Asheville’s beloved comics, Cody Hughes
Show Time: Jan/13/22, 7:30p (Doors at 7p)
Ticket: $8 for members/ $2 for annual membership. Tickets available at door. All Covid protocols are in place, go to theOrangePeel.net for updates
Free snacks/Drink specials
[Comics sign up to perform at door. Performing comics get in free (+free membership). New-to-venue performers get 3-5m. Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light, check with Cody when you get there for time and lineup]
Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for more info/any questions or sign up early or request a future feature (paid 20m) spot.
*Pulp is one of Asheville’s finest craft cocktail lounges, located underneath The Orange Peel. This self acclaimed Bourbon bar has 284 different fine bourbon/whiskey selections, which we’re almost sure it’s the most in the entire state. Bourbon connoisseurs from thousands of miles can’t believe their eyes, but don’t worry vodka people, The Pulp has a little bit of everything

Thursday January 20, 2022
Slice of Life Comedy presents comedy open mic night at The Orange Peel’s basement bar, Pulp Lounge in Asheville, NC.
(Slice of Life Comedy has been producing quality, premier comedy shows at the Orange Peel for over 10 years)
Featuring Morgan Bost
Morgan Bost is one of Asheville’s very favorite comics. She has performed multiple time Upstairs on the Orange Peel’s Mainstage. Morgan and her brand of comedy is smart, even when she is regaling dumb things she’s done in the past.
Pulp Lounge is located at 103 Hilliard Ave, around the corner from the Orange Peel’s Box Office entrance
Hosted by one of Asheville’s beloved comics, Cody Hughes
Show Time: Jan/13/22, 7:30p (Doors at 7p)
Ticket: $8 for members/ $2 for annual membership. Tickets available at door. All Covid protocols are in place, go to theOrangePeel.net for updates
Free snacks/Drink specials
[Comics sign up to perform at door. Performing comics get in free (+free membership). New-to-venue performers get 3-5m. Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light, check with Cody when you get there for time and lineup]
Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for more info/any questions or sign up early or request a future feature (paid 20m) spot.
*Pulp is one of Asheville’s finest craft cocktail lounges, located underneath The Orange Peel. This self acclaimed Bourbon bar has 284 different fine bourbon/whiskey selections, which we’re almost sure it’s the most in the entire state. Bourbon connoisseurs from thousands of miles can’t believe their eyes, but don’t worry vodka people, The Pulp has a little bit of everything.

Grab your girls and come dance!

AMG Late Nights is spicing up Thursdays with SENSE – Enjoy drink specials, Hookahs, and music by DJ AUDIO and No_Fxcking.Requests.

*No Cover until February*

*VIP Coming Soon*

*Lighting by Raydio*

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

Join Slice of Life Comedy at Asheville Pizza’s GameRoom for some adult-friendly comedy entertainment featuring Asheville’s hottest comics.
Hosted by the lovable Ryan Cox,
Show is Thursday January 27, 2022
Cost is $12, $10 for locals ($2 off with WNC area ID)
Laugh the night away while getting cocktails, taps and menu during the show.
For more information, contact michele at sliceoflifecomedy.com *Full Covid protocols to be seated in GameRoom

Grab your girls and come dance!

AMG Late Nights is spicing up Thursdays with SENSE – Enjoy drink specials, Hookahs, and music by DJ AUDIO and No_Fxcking.Requests.

*No Cover until February*

*VIP Coming Soon*

*Lighting by Raydio*

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

A special zoom performance will be held on Saturday 1/22 for individuals to gather, share space, and dance with plants across the interwebs. Performances on Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 at 3pm are part of the Asheville Fringe Festival.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

What if we gathered at the Botanical Gardens, stared up at the clouds, and danced with plants? Maybe we will tell a joke. Maybe we will draw each other’s portraits. Maybe we will discuss what the clouds look like. Maybe we will share some strawberries. Maybe we will stretch together. Maybe we will write a song together. Maybe we will just look at each other, sharing space, breathing the same air.

Multidisciplinary Performance Artist, Mike Durkin, will lead a participatory mediative performance where audience members will gather, share space, tour the grounds, dance, and find a deeper connection between the variety of environments and worlds we occupy on a day-to-day basis.

The experience, located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on UNC Asheville’s campus, will last approximately 75 minutes and will have periods of walking, dancing, and other activities. Plan on wearing hiking attire, clothes you can move in, and complimentary tea will be served during the experience. Audience members can participate in as much or as little as they are comfortable with. All movements and activities require very little exertion.

Email [email protected] for reservations for performances 1/22-1/27
Buy tickets at www.ashevillefringe.org for the Saturday 1/29 and Sunday 1/30 performances, available January 1st.

For More Information, www.mikedurkin.info

Follow him on Instagram: @MikeDurkinProjects

Grab your girls and come dance!

AMG Late Nights is spicing up Thursdays with SENSE – Enjoy drink specials, Hookahs, and music by DJ AUDIO and No_Fxcking.Requests.

*No Cover until February*

*VIP Coming Soon*

*Lighting by Raydio*

Music By DJ AUDIO & guest DJ’s
SPINNING THROWBACK, Dancehall, LATIN, HIP HOP/R&B
Doors at 9pm
• NO COVER till FEB ’22!
• 6 HOOKAH flavors Available
• DRINK SPECIALS
• VIP COMING SOON!
Follow AMG Late Nights for All Event Updates!
10 North Market Street | Downtown Asheville
Lighting Powered by Raydio

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Well, lucky for you, our Annual Virtual Hiking Challenge is back!

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Virtual Hiking Challenge sets a goal for you to complete 60 miles in 60 days at your own pace. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run, or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level, all you have to do is move 60 miles within the 60-day challenge period, running from January 1 to March 1. Sign up before January 1 to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration is open now and ends on February 1.

Registration is $25 and all participants will receive informative emails with details on some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to areas SAHC has protected and some of our other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and areas to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. All participants will receive a Hiking Challenge patch, coupons and will be entered into a raffle to win a certificate good for two to either cave, climb, or raft through USA Raft (after March 1).  The registration fee will give participants access to the portal throughout the Challenge.

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will inspire folks to explore places you may not have hiked before and rediscover the joy of nature in your own neighborhood. Please note, you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.

Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? Read our helpful Winter Hiking Tips so you can feel more confident hiking during the cold winter months.

Grab your girls and come dance!

AMG Late Nights is spicing up Thursdays with SENSE – Enjoy drink specials, Hookahs, and music by DJ AUDIO and No_Fxcking.Requests.

*No Cover until February*

*VIP Coming Soon*

*Lighting by Raydio*