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.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 12 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Business After Hours
Dec 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Your Chance to Build Great Connections – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event!

Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!

With fantastic food and beverages compliments of our host sponsor, and the chance to win great door prizes – and Networking Beast – this event is the best combination of business and fun!
There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Dec 13 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form
Business Morning Update
Dec 13 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Elk's Lodge

Networking begins at 7:45 AM
Program begins at 8:00 AM

This monthly event is co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College\’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Dec 13 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm and will get four minutes on stage. Anyone skill level from professional to first-timers. So you’ll see great, not-so-great, and hilariously awful comedy all in the same night. Always fun though. Always free.

Thursday, December 14, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Dec 14 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Ribbon Cutting for The Spa at Capitola Mill
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Spa at Capitola Mill LLC

The Spa at Capitola Mill is a day spa located in downtown Marshall NC. We offer Massage, Facials, Foot Soak & Reflexology, Himalayan Salt Room Sessions, & Sauna Sessions.

 

The Spa at Capitola Mill is thrilled to commemorate their first year in business. Their celebration will align with downtown Marshalls “Jingle Mingle” event. They are excited to welcome Santa and his helper to extend greetings to our guests. Additionally, they will host a holiday raffle featuring gifts from local businesses, refreshments and appetizers will be provided by the spa.

 

*Parking: From downtown Marshall at the Madison County Courthouse, cross over the French Broad River, and make an immediate left turn off the bridge into the Capitola Mill parking lot. Handicapped parking is available next to the front entrance ramp. The Spa is located inside the Capitola Mill Building, Studio 2.

2023 Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors
Dec 14 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Orange Peel

Venture Asheville grows Asheville’s startup community and connects high-growth entrepreneurs to talent, mentors and investors through unique programming and events.  The Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors is our annual end-of-year party where we announce and rank the 15 fastest growing startups in the area and award Entrepreneur, Mentor, Investor, ESO of the Year, The Shining Rock Award and the Venture Asheville Vanguard Award and Best Startup to Work For.

 

Let the dance parties, networking, good food and drinks begin!  With Jeffrey Kaplan as your host, you can expect to hear from our sponsors, winners and finalists all wrapped up in one creative program, along with a few surprises. Buy your tickets now and join us for an exciting, fast-paced evening of awards. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:00 pm.

 

Venture 15 Awards recognize the 15 fastest growing Asheville-area startups. This event celebrates the area’s outstanding entrepreneurs, and it serves as an elite setting where they can share their talent and wisdom as well as offer inspiration to other fledgling companies to be part of this exclusive group.

We can’t do the Venture Asheville Honors without you. We need you to make the nominations for the people and organizations that make this ecosystem run.

  • What entrepreneurs are making it rain in this wild year?
  • What mentors have been there for you?
  • What investors provided capital when you needed it most?
  • What resource or ESO helped you get through this year?
  • And who is an up-and-comer we need to know? (that’s the Shining Rock Award)
  • Who’s the best start-up to work for?

Applications and nominations are open until November 21st: www.ventureasheville.com/venture15

This event is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person, $190 for a reserved cocktail table (5 tickets included) or $300 for reserved seated table (8 tickets included). Table quantities are limited so don’t wait to reserve your space!  (Ticket price includes entry to the event, one drink and light food.)

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event kicks off at 7:00 p.m.

Tamar Rubin + Shelley Gruenberg at the LaZoom Room
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room Bar + Gorilla

Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week we have Tamar and Shelley from Atlanta!

Tamar Rubin
Tamar Rubin started comedy in Atlanta, Georgia where she has since established her career as a stand-up and become a local favorite. She uses her dark yet quirky style to talk about all things personal, dirty, and silly. Tamar has been described by her audiences as “wickedly fun and raw” and by her doctors as “anemic.” She has a comedy special on OFTV, is a weekend regular at the Laughing Skull lounge, has performed at Laughing Skull Festival, Red Clay Comedy Festival, and cohosts her podcast “The Friggin Show” every week! You can catch her every month hosting Cobra Comedy at the Drunken Unicorn!

Shelley Gruenberg
Shelley Gruenberg is an Atlanta Based standup comedian and sex symbol. You will love her whimsical and surreal style! See her live at Laughing Skull Lounge, Argosy, or every Friday night at Dynamic El Dorado.

Featuring James Harrod and more!

ages 18+
Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm

Friday, December 15, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Dec 15 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 15 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Founder’s Lunch – Not your average Business owners group
Dec 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Andaaz

This is a group for business owners to talk about business. We will engage, inspire and support eachother through real conversation and connection over a bite to eat. Pay your own way. Please register so we can reserve the right sized space.

A DIckens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Dec 15 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

From the bounty shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddick, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub, and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. On this fateful Christmas Eve night, various forms of mayhem ensue as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could go possibly wrong does, with hilarious, ridiculous results!

Saturday, December 16, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 16 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
Dec 16 @ 11:00 am
LaZoom Room


Kids’ Comedy Tour: 
Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.

  • Perfect for birthday parties
  • Makes for memorable school field trips
  • Tickets are $27 per person
  • Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
Toybox’s (mostly) Monthly Puppetry Series
Dec 16 @ 11:00 am
The Magnetic Theatre

Toybox Theatre, in collaboration with The Magnetic Theatre, presents a new puppetry series for ALL AGES. This new series will feature original works by acclaimed award-winning puppeteer and clown Toybox, and will bring some of the best puppeteers in the nation as special guests!

Toybox Theatre has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast with their unique brand of humor and art for over 20 years! Garnishing many “fan favorite” and “funniest show” awards, Toybox has also received an UNIMA Citation for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, and funding from The Jim Henson Foundation.

A DIckens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Dec 16 @ 2:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

From the bounty shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddick, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub, and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. On this fateful Christmas Eve night, various forms of mayhem ensue as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could go possibly wrong does, with hilarious, ridiculous results!

A DIckens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Dec 16 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

From the bounty shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddick, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub, and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. On this fateful Christmas Eve night, various forms of mayhem ensue as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could go possibly wrong does, with hilarious, ridiculous results!

Sunday, December 17, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 17 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Comedy at Catawba: Emily Panic
Dec 17 @ 6:30 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Every Sunday Modelface Comedy brings you the best stand up comedians from all over the country! This week we have Emily Panic from NYC!

Emily Panic is a comedian, actor and writer from New Jersey. She has performed at the High Plains comedy festival and has toured opening for musician Alex Cameron. Emily has been featured on Netflix, Vice, Pitchfork.TV, Funny or Die and is known for her character Hard Melissa from the web series Two Minutes to Late night which she also writes for. Emily is also known for her dry deadpan delivery and her signature bob hairstyle which some have described as “Lord Farquaad lookin ass.” Emily lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two freaky rescue dogs and close to her Grandma who she should really visit more.

 

Featuring Clare O’Kane

ages 18+

doors at 6pm, show at 6:30pm

Monday, December 18, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Dec 18 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 18 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Dec 19 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Pulp + Slice Of Life presents THE BLACKOUT DIARIES
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Pulp

 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7:30pm
Ages 21+
The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

During this year’s holiday break, forget all the craziness and bring the whole (drinking age) family & friends out to hear tales of triumph (but mostly hilarious tragedy) while drinking heavily. Starting its roots in Chicago, and hosted by the hilarius Alex Joyce, The Blackout Diaries is an interactive comedy show were standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell true drinking stories with photos from the events. Then you, the audience, can ask questions.
The Blackout Diaries has been selected as ‘Critics’ Choice in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times and more. Segments from the show have appeared on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius Radio and more. A review once described the show as “a reverse AA meeting”. We still don’t know if that was a positive review or not, but we feel it sums the show up well.
Alex Joyce has been performing stand up comedy for 13 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama he moved to Chicago where he studied at the Second City Training Center for Sketch Writing. He is co producer and performer in The Blackout Diaries, a weekly show at The Lincoln Lodge Theater where comedians tell wild drinking stories and the audience gets to ask questions. Joyce returns to Asheville regularly to visit family and perform. Joyce lives in Chicago.
Featuring Hilliary Begley. Patey Smith McDowell & Roman Fraden

The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show at The Pulp
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

During this year’s holiday break, forget all the craziness and bring the whole (drinking age) family & friends out to hear tales of triumph (but mostly hilarious tragedy) while drinking heavily. Starting its roots in Chicago, and hosted by the hilarius Alex Joyce, The Blackout Diaries is an interactive comedy show were standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell true drinking stories with photos from the events. Then you, the audience, can ask questions.
The Blackout Diaries has been selected as ‘Critics’ Choice in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times and more. Segments from the show have appeared on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius Radio and more. A review once described the show as “a reverse AA meeting”. We still don’t know if that was a positive review or not, but we feel it sums the show up well.
Alex Joyce has been performing stand up comedy for 13 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama he moved to Chicago where he studied at the Second City Training Center for Sketch Writing. He is co producer and performer in The Blackout Diaries, a weekly show at The Lincoln Lodge Theater where comedians tell wild drinking stories and the audience gets to ask questions. Joyce returns to Asheville regularly to visit family and perform. Joyce lives in Chicago.
Featuring Hilliary Begley. Petey Smith McDowell & Roman Fraden

Wednesday, December 20, 2023
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
Dec 20 all-day
online
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, UNC Health Pardee, Optimum, and Hunter Automotive are pleased to announce the 17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in April to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

 

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

  • Julie Huneycutt, Hope Coalition (2023)
  • Adriana Chavela, Hola Carolina (2022)
  • Kathy Streeter Morgan, Henderson County Emergency Management (2021)
  • Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)
  • Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)
  • Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)
  • Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)
  • Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)
  • Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)
  • Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)
  • Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)
  • Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)
  • Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)
  • Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)
  • Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)
  • Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)
ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.
Nomination Form