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, November 14, 2020
North Asheville Tailgate Market/The Holiday Bazaar
Nov 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North 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.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas A Virtual Production  On Sale Now
Nov 14 @ 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.

Ten Thousand Villages Annual Sale
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Ten Thousand Villages

Image for Ten Thousand Villages Annual Sale

Don’t miss out on the annual sale at Ten Thousand Villages in Asheville – 25% off everything in the store and online (tenthousandvillages.com)! And, they extended the sale to four days to allow for distancing.

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market Weekend Holiday Market
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

The holiday market, featuring more than 40 artisan and food vendors, is outdoors at the A-B Tech Small Business Center on Enka campus.

Sunday, November 15, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 15 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 –

Business Holiday Online Gift Guide
Nov 15 all-day
Online

The team at Explore Asheville has launched an online holiday gift guide for 2020 in support of Asheville’s maker and arts community. If you would like to submit a product, kindly follow the instructions below. The deadline is Nov. 15 or ASAP, as the marketing team aligns promotions ahead of the holiday shopping season.

The Holiday Gift Guide will feature one item from each maker and will include your product photo and a link directly to your online shop.

HOW TO SUBMIT A PRODUCT: Email [email protected] by November 15.

  1. Submit a link to a photo of your product. By responding with your permission to use the photo, you are confirming that you own all rights to release that photo for use on ExploreAsheville.com. Include any photo credit information by which Explore Asheville needs to abide.
  2. Submit a link to your online shopping gallery. Explore Asheville is linking directly to online shopping galleries or individual product pages on your business site. At this time, we can only use products that are available for sale online and are available on your site or affiliate online market. Kindly confirm that we are able to use this link on ExploreAsheville.com.

As you have capacity, you may also submit some artist bio, product info and/or news via [email protected]. The team is glad to keep that info handy for ongoing content and media relations efforts heading through the holiday season and into 2021.

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 15 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.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 15 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.

Ten Thousand Villages Annual Sale
Nov 15 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Ten Thousand Villages

Image for Ten Thousand Villages Annual Sale

Don’t miss out on the annual sale at Ten Thousand Villages in Asheville – 25% off everything in the store and online (tenthousandvillages.com)! And, they extended the sale to four days to allow for distancing.

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market Weekend Holiday Market
Nov 15 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

The holiday market, featuring more than 40 artisan and food vendors, is outdoors at the A-B Tech Small Business Center on Enka campus.

Monday, November 16, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 16 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 –

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 16 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.

Mast General Store’s Employee for a Day Online Sale
Nov 16 all-day
Online

Image for Mast General Store's Employee for a Day Online Sale

Employee For A Day is moving exclusively to Mast Store Online running from 11/13 to 11/16. This is your opportunity to save 25% on up to six regularly-priced items. Most of your favorite items you find in-store will be available online at www.mastgeneralstore.com.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 16 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.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas A Virtual Production  On Sale Now
Nov 16 @ 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.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 17 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 –

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 17 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.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 17 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.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas A Virtual Production  On Sale Now
Nov 17 @ 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.

Asheville Outlets Hosts US Capitol Christmas Tree Visit
Nov 17 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and Colorado Tourism, will bring this special gift from Colorado to Washington, D.C. for the 2020 holiday season.

Ten communities will host celebrations along the way, including a special appearance at Asheville Outlets on Tuesday, November 17th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During the three-hour viewing, both in-person and drive-by options will be available for interested visitors. Activities are open to the public and free for all to enjoy. Face coverings are required, and social distancing protocols will be in effect.

Under the theme, Experience Your Nature, the 55’ tall Engelmann Spruce will be cut on the Uncompahgre National Forest on November 6th and prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of 10 outdoor community celebrations primarily within the state of Colorado and will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on November 20th. The tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially created by Coloradans and will be lit in early December.

The initiative is made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources. 2020 sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Apex Transportation, 42 Degrees North Media, Spireon, Inc., Hale Trailer, Chuck Leavell, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, STIHL, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Valley Crane, Red Wing Shoes, National Forest Foundation, Society of American Foresters, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Loki, Montrose County, Delta County, Seirus, TravelCenters of America, Bass Pro Shops, Citizens State Bank, and Vesmir. Follow along online at USCapitolChristmasTree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.

Festivities during the tree’s visit to Asheville Outlets will include:

  • An appearance by Santa Claus
  • Hot Cocoa Station, ITeam Games & Photo Booth sponsored by Ingles Markets
  • Food Trucks
  • Live remotes with iHeart Media’s 99.9 KISS Country Eddie Fox, 104.3 STAR Ariel Rymer, and 570 WWNC Mark Starling
  • Toy Drive benefiting Eblen Charities
West Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday markets and special events feature local food, wellness, and gifts for the season
Nov 17 @ 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

Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 18 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 –

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 18 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.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 18 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.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas A Virtual Production  On Sale Now
Nov 18 @ 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.

Weaverville Tailgate Market + Winter Market
Nov 18 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville 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.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Nov 18 @ 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).

Thursday, November 19, 2020
Asheville Independent Restaurant Holiday Hours
Nov 19 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 –

Flat Rock Playhouse Community Champion Giveaway
Nov 19 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.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Holiday Book Drive
Nov 19 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.