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.

Friday, November 3, 2023
Win 2 free tix to see Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On!
Nov 3 all-day
online
Win 2 free tix to see

Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On!

at Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 PM

How much do you know about the Love Goddess

What famous film dancer said Rita Hayworth was his favorite dance partner?

Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire or Danny Kaye

What famous American actor/director was the love of her life?

Clint Eastwood, Orson Welles, John Ford

The winner will receive 2 free tickets to see the November 5 presentation of

Rita Hayworth: The Heat is ON!

at Tryon Fine Arts Center.

To enter, simply submit your answers below. The first person with the correct two answers will win. The next 3 to guess the correct answer will receive 2 vouchers for a glass of wine at the show!

Good luck!

Submit your answers!

Click to answer!
 

 

A Case for the Existence of God
Nov 3 @ 2:00 pm
NC Stage Co.

Written by Samuel D. Hunter

Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.

 

Content advisory: strong language

Citron Gallery Opening Reception – Evolving Visions: A Contemporary Collective
Nov 3 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Citron Gallery

OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 | 5-8 pm
LOCATION: 60 BILTMORE AVE, #002 LOWER LEVEL, ASHEVILLE, NC 28801

FEATURED ARTISTS
Allison B. Cooke | Anna Carll | Dorothy Ganek | Eric Abrecht | Kento Saisho | Kieta Jackson | Lauren Betty | Rand Kramer | Ruth Hunter | Victoria Pinney

ADDITIONAL WORKS
Elliott Schuessler | Joshua Meyer | Kim Goldstein | Steven Seinberg

Citron Gallery is pleased to present the opening of Evolving Visions: A Contemporary Collective, a group show that celebrates the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of contemporary art. This captivating exhibition brings together a diverse group of talented artists, each with their unique perspectives and artistic voices.

Showcasing the evolution of artistic expression over time, the featured artists draw inspiration from various sources, including cultural and urban influences, personal experiences, and memories. This show serves as a snapshot of the current artist’s expression and vision of where they are now and a clue as to where to where they move creatively from here.

The collective will be exhibiting a captivating blend of abstract and figurative works, with traditional and experimental techniques. This eclectic mix invites viewers to engage in a visual and intellectual journey, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of art.

Parkway Playhouse-Willy Wonka JR
Nov 3 @ 6:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

November 3-11, 2023

Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Roberta Whiteside
Choreography by Melanie Veazey

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 3 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

Screen Shot 2023-01-25 at 2.41.13 PM.png

Who Does She Think She Is? A One-Woman Show
Nov 3 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Written and Performed by Paula O’Brien
Accompanied by Steve Sensenig

Singing has always been one of Paula’s first loves. After attending a cabaret show at the Irish Arts Center in NYC, she thought, “I could do that” and went about putting together what would become Who Does She Think She Is?: one woman’s journey from Ireland to WNC, with many stops along the way. The show includes original songs (from the songwriting part of the journey) as well as many favorites that tie in with Paula’s stories. It’ll be an evening of caint, ceoil, agus craic (stories, music and fun)! There may or may not be guitar playing. There will most definitely be a keyboard!

Asheville Mind Reading Show
Nov 3 @ 8:00 pm
Story Parlor

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
After a sold-out show in October, we’re putting on the show again.
It’s 70 minutes of mind blowing entertainment by Asheville native Jonathan Pritchard who will leave you questioning what’s real & what’s possible with this highly interactive mentalism show.
This is the act that has taken him around the world and it is finally here in his home town.
Come see it for yourself!

Funny Girl
Nov 3 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Saturday, November 4, 2023
2 Adult Tickets = 2 Free Youth Tickets: Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise + Hare
Nov 4 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

NOV. 3 – 5 ONLY! 2 Adult tickets + 2 Free Youth Tickets

A NEW WORKS PREMIERE by PLAYHOUSE JR.

The race of the century is on, and the fate of the little town of Fable Farms hangs in the balance!
Find out what happens when hometown hero Tori the Tortoise faces off with big city bunny Harriet the Hare in this hilarious retelling of Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare.
Even if you think you already know the story, we promise there are plenty of new twists and turns to this race!
DESIGNER SERIES: QLAB + AUDACITY BASICS
Nov 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!

About the instructor: Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.

MAGNETIC U – DESIGNER SERIES: QLab + Audacity Basics
Nov 4 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Taught by Abby Auman

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!

 

About the instructor:

Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.

Funny Girl
Nov 4 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 4 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

Screen Shot 2023-01-25 at 2.41.13 PM.png

A Doll’s House
Nov 4 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Henrik Ibsen

Director: Patricia Sands

Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: G

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and questions that are applicable to societies worldwide, including gender inequality, materialism, and corruption. Presented in a reader’s theater format, actors don’t memorize scripts but read them to the audience while using their voices and upper bodies to convey the roles they are playing.

A Doll’s House
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Henrik Ibsen

Director: Patricia Sands

Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: G

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and questions that are applicable to societies worldwide, including gender inequality, materialism, and corruption. Presented in a reader’s theater format, actors don’t memorize scripts but read them to the audience while using their voices and upper bodies to convey the roles they are playing.

A Doll’s House
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Henrik Ibsen

Director: Patricia Sands

Approximate Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: G

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House is about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and questions that are applicable to societies worldwide, including gender inequality, materialism, and corruption. Presented in a reader’s theater format, actors don’t memorize scripts but read them to the audience while using their voices and upper bodies to convey the roles they are playing.

R. Carlos Nakai + Peter Kater IN CONCERT
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theater

R.Carlos Nakai, of Navajo-Ute heritage, the world’s premier performer of the Native American flute, joins pianist/composer Peter Kater for two evening performances, possibly their last live performance together. Piano and Native American Flute, however an unlikely combination of instruments, when performed by two of the worlds most sensitive performers of those instruments, produces a powerful and profound musical chemistry, of an almost spiritual nature, and unlike any two instruments ever played together! Their music has been described to be of a sacred quality. Kater with two recent Grammy wins for best New Age album, produces a sound on piano often described as hypnotic and healing. Nakai approaches each performance in a ceremonial manner, singing ancient Navajo chants while playing his flutes and blowing his Eagle Bone whistle. “Every concert they have played together in Asheville, leaves audiences in absolute awe. The chemistry of these two musicians and their instruments does something to us all that is impossible to describe in words”. They have numerous recordings together over the last 30 years and have performed in Asheville 10 previous times to always SOLD OUT audiences. Their recording “Improvisations In Concert” was recorded live at their breathtaking 1995 performance at Diana Wortham Theatre. You can find samples of their music on Spotify and Amazon. Their award winning albums, Migration, Natives and Improvisations in Concert are great examples of the music you will experience at their performances.

Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

The Heat Is On is an explosive yet moving solo musical production which celebrates and reveals the woman behind the “Love Goddess,” Rita Hayworth.

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

Screen Shot 2023-01-25 at 2.41.13 PM.png

Who Does She Think She Is? A One-Woman Show
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Written and Performed by Paula O’Brien
Accompanied by Steve Sensenig

Singing has always been one of Paula’s first loves. After attending a cabaret show at the Irish Arts Center in NYC, she thought, “I could do that” and went about putting together what would become Who Does She Think She Is?: one woman’s journey from Ireland to WNC, with many stops along the way. The show includes original songs (from the songwriting part of the journey) as well as many favorites that tie in with Paula’s stories. It’ll be an evening of caint, ceoil, agus craic (stories, music and fun)! There may or may not be guitar playing. There will most definitely be a keyboard!

Funny Girl
Nov 4 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Sunday, November 5, 2023
2 Adult Tickets = 2 Free Youth Tickets: Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise + Hare
Nov 5 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

NOV. 3 – 5 ONLY! 2 Adult tickets + 2 Free Youth Tickets

A NEW WORKS PREMIERE by PLAYHOUSE JR.

The race of the century is on, and the fate of the little town of Fable Farms hangs in the balance!
Find out what happens when hometown hero Tori the Tortoise faces off with big city bunny Harriet the Hare in this hilarious retelling of Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare.
Even if you think you already know the story, we promise there are plenty of new twists and turns to this race!
Funny Girl
Nov 5 @ 1:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

Audition Workshop for Children
Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Class cost: $30

Min students: 5

Max students: 14

Class Dates: Sunday, November 5, 2023

Time: 2 pm to 4 pm

Ages: 8-12 (grades 3-7)

The last day to receive a full refund is October 5, 2023. After October 5, 2023, no refund will be issued.

Advance registration is required. Registration deadline is Friday, November 3 at 5 pm.

Need-based scholarships are available upon application.

Class Description:
This audition workshop is designed for young actors who want to learn to audition or improve their auditioning skills. This workshop will take participants step-by-step through most theatre’s audition process and give young actors pointers to make the whole experience more relaxing and familiar. The workshop will cover techniques for better auditioning, including theatre etiquette, what to bring to an audition, how to make a great and memorable impression, cold reading skills, and how to find acting opportunities in our area. All actors, regardless of experience, ages 8 to 12, are eligible to attend.

Participants will have multiple opportunities to get up and perform short scenes during the workshop, as well as break off into groups. Actors need to come prepared for a high-energy, action-filled afternoon.

Slowpoke! The True Story of a Tortoise and Hare
Nov 5 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.

Screen Shot 2023-01-25 at 2.41.13 PM.png

Who Does She Think She Is? A One-Woman Show
Nov 5 @ 4:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

Written and Performed by Paula O’Brien
Accompanied by Steve Sensenig

Singing has always been one of Paula’s first loves. After attending a cabaret show at the Irish Arts Center in NYC, she thought, “I could do that” and went about putting together what would become Who Does She Think She Is?: one woman’s journey from Ireland to WNC, with many stops along the way. The show includes original songs (from the songwriting part of the journey) as well as many favorites that tie in with Paula’s stories. It’ll be an evening of caint, ceoil, agus craic (stories, music and fun)! There may or may not be guitar playing. There will most definitely be a keyboard!

Funny Girl
Nov 5 @ 6:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

R. Carlos Nakai + Peter Kater IN CONCERT
Nov 5 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theater

R.Carlos Nakai, of Navajo-Ute heritage, the world’s premier performer of the Native American flute, joins pianist/composer Peter Kater for two evening performances, possibly their last live performance together. Piano and Native American Flute, however an unlikely combination of instruments, when performed by two of the worlds most sensitive performers of those instruments, produces a powerful and profound musical chemistry, of an almost spiritual nature, and unlike any two instruments ever played together! Their music has been described to be of a sacred quality. Kater with two recent Grammy wins for best New Age album, produces a sound on piano often described as hypnotic and healing. Nakai approaches each performance in a ceremonial manner, singing ancient Navajo chants while playing his flutes and blowing his Eagle Bone whistle. “Every concert they have played together in Asheville, leaves audiences in absolute awe. The chemistry of these two musicians and their instruments does something to us all that is impossible to describe in words”. They have numerous recordings together over the last 30 years and have performed in Asheville 10 previous times to always SOLD OUT audiences. Their recording “Improvisations In Concert” was recorded live at their breathtaking 1995 performance at Diana Wortham Theatre. You can find samples of their music on Spotify and Amazon. Their award winning albums, Migration, Natives and Improvisations in Concert are great examples of the music you will experience at their performances.

Karaoke Night at The Draftsman
Nov 5 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Restoration Hotel Asheville

Sing your heart out every Sunday at our laidback basement bar. Whether you’re a classic crooner or want to relive your glam metal glory days, find your moment to shine between 8pm and 11pm. Remember: what happens at karaoke night, stays at karaoke night.

Monday, November 6, 2023
Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 6 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Volunteer!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the best way to get involved at ACT is volunteer! No matter what your skill or experience level, there’s a place for everybody at ACT.

We are currently looking for help in the Box Office and Front of House. The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-4 PM. Let us know if you’d be interested!