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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, January 11, 2020
Brilliant Traces
Jan 11 @ 7:30 pm
35below

Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

Pancake Apocalypse (a night of sketch comedy)
Jan 11 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

A night of sketch comedy starring Cameron Davis, Carin Metzger, Jared Eriksen, Jessica Barlow, Joe Carroll, and George Awad

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pancake-apocalypse-a-night-of-sketch-comedy-tickets-85835649739

Sunday, January 12, 2020
Flat Rock Playhouse 2020 Season Tickets 20-30% off
Jan 12 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Season Subscribers:– Get early access to our new season tickets and information– Save 20-30% off normal ticket prices– Get additional discounts on extra tickets– Park in a preferred parking zone– Avoid ticket purchase or exchange fees

For 2020 subscriptions, please call our box office at 828.693.0731.

Single tickets go on sale Monday, January 13.

To purchase single tickets, please call the box office or visit our website!

Brilliant Traces
Jan 12 @ 2:30 pm
ACT 35Below

Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

Monday, January 13, 2020
Whole Hog Butchery Class
Jan 13 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Learn about how their hogs are pasture raised from their farm director Asher Wright.  He will discuss heritage breeds, health benefits of pasture raised pork and how various inputs on the production side impact the quality of the meat. Enjoy a beautiful spread of their in-house made charcuterie & a locally crafted adult beverage of your choice. Watch head butcher Brian Bermingham demonstrate how to break down each part of a Heritage breed hog, explaining each step of the process along the way. Class is $100 per person.

Improv I: The Basics of Inspired Improvisation
Jan 13 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

This course covers the fundamentals of improvisational acting with emphasis on comedy; such as listing, commitment, adding information, agreement, intuitive reaction over desperate invention, as well as recognizing and capitalizing on emerging patterns.

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Greenville Chautauqua Presents: Teddy Roosevelt Discussion
Jan 14 @ 7:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hughes Main Library

Winter Chautauqua kicks off the 2020 theme of “Reinventing America,” with Teddy Roosevelt. What better way to “Reinvent America” then with the Rough Rider, Nobel Prize winning President who stepped down at the height of his popularity to four years later bolt the Republican Party and challenge his hand picked successor? In ninety days, Roosevelt’s “Bull Moose” Party humbled a sitting president and decisively beat a party that had dominated national politics for forty years. American politics was never then same again.

Join an audience that loves talking back to history to discuss Teddy Roosevelt – with AV Huff. This event is NOT a costumed performance. (Doug Mishler from Reno NV will perform as Teddy Roosevelt in Winter Chautauqua – Jan 31, Feb 1, Feb 2.)

AV Huff, PhD is a distinguished author, award-wining teacher, and public servant. AV is passionate about southern history and is author of Greenville: The History of the City and County in the South Carolina Piedmont. Dr. Huff has led previous Chautauqua Talks on historic South Carolina figures ranging from the controversial John C. Calhoun to escaped slave and Civil War military commander Robert Smalls.

Thursday, January 16, 2020
The Last Great Hunt’s New Owner
Jan 16 @ 8:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

The Last Great Hunt's New Owner by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, January 16 & 17, 2020 at 8pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 8pm; Jan. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Friday, January 17, 2020
A Wild Food Stroll at The Grove Park Inn
Jan 17 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
The Grove Park Inn

Ready to go WILD? Join us for a trip “off the eaten path.” You’ll learn how to safely gather edible wild plants, mushrooms, and other “extreme cuisine.” Stay for a stunning view of the sunset and enjoy dinner at Vue 1913 featuring a free appetizer with the edibles you met on your tour. Suitable for all ages and abilities. To register or for more info, see here. Three-hour foraging tours also available, year-round, by arrangement.

Wild food is the ultimate natural food: ultra-local, fresher, more flavorful, 10 to 100 times more nutritious than its garden-variety descendants, AND it’s free! With over 300 wild edibles, Western North Carolina is the richest temperate ecosystem on Earth. For a taste of the wild life, forage ahead and experience the life of a modern hunter-gather firsthand. It’s a unique experience in self-catering, a memorable lesson in high-class survival.

Introduction to Medicare
Jan 17 @ 2:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Goodwill

This class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. People who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.

Brilliant Traces
Jan 17 @ 7:30 pm
35below

Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

The Last Great Hunt’s New Owner
Jan 17 @ 8:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

The Last Great Hunt's New Owner by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, January 16 & 17, 2020 at 8pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 8pm; Jan. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Saturday, January 18, 2020
Pop-Up Brunch Black Bear BBQ
Jan 18 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Black Bear BBQ

Join Black Bear Jan. 18 for a pop-up brunch featuring Candied Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Tasso & Grits, Smoked Trout Toast and more. This will be an open seating even and quantities are limited.

View full menu here!

The 19th Annual Fletcher Chili Cook-Off
Jan 18 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Veritas Christian Academy

The 19th Annual Fletcher Chili Cook-Off is free to enter, all types of chili will be accepted and awards given out, donations will be accepted to make improvements at Bill Moore Community Park, Veritas Christian Academy, 

The Last Great Hunt’s New Owner
Jan 18 @ 2:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

The Last Great Hunt's New Owner by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, January 16 & 17, 2020 at 8pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 8pm; Jan. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Mountain Murders: A True Crime Podcast Live Show
Jan 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Meetup members pay just $10 at the door! Join the Western North Carolina based podcasters from Mountain Murders for an afternoon of true crime, comedy, booze and live audience participation!

Mountain Murders: A True Crime Podcast Live Show
Jan 18 @ 5:02 pm
Fleetwood's

Join the Western North Carolina based podcasters from Mountain Murders for an afternoon of true crime, comedy, booze and live audience participation!

Heather and Dylan will discuss truly terrifying Appalachian true crime cases!

Come hang out with the biggest creeps in town & Warm up with a hot blooded murder

Brilliant Traces
Jan 18 @ 7:30 pm
35below

Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

The Last Great Hunt’s New Owner
Jan 18 @ 8:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

The Last Great Hunt's New Owner by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, January 16 & 17, 2020 at 8pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 8pm; Jan. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Sunday, January 19, 2020
The Last Great Hunt’s New Owner
Jan 19 @ 2:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

The Last Great Hunt's New Owner by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, January 16 & 17, 2020 at 8pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 8pm; Jan. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Brilliant Traces
Jan 19 @ 2:30 pm
ACT 35Below

Brilliant Traces is compelling story about two people, Rosannah and Henry, who have both suffered from a series of unfortunate circumstances throughout their lives. One night, after traveling for many days with little to no rest, Rosannah mysteriously shows up on Henry’s doorstep, in Alaska. As Henry and Rosannah begin to open up to one another, they come to the realization that they both have had serious and emotionally complicated lives. Directed by Robert Dale Walker; Starring Shari Azar and Thomas Trauger.

Fringe Fest Kickoff Party
Jan 19 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lazy Diamond
The festival is bigger and more diverse than ever. Surprising themes that emerged from the collective creative mind this year are Revenge and Murder! and Culinary Delights! Dark Horse Theater is premiering “Ripper”, a goth punk phantasmagoria of 1970s New York, where there’s a killer on the loose. Edwin Salas presents “Dracula Killed My Mother” a time travel horror story based on real life personal events.”Lupita’s Revenge” is a shadow puppet vengeance play with a live soundtrack of Latin American classics and 80’s covers.

On the culinary side, we have “Dinner Bell” from Taproot Ensemble, a dance, song and storytelling exploration of what you’re not supposed to talk about at the dinner table, southern style. Includes treats from Early Girl Eatery. Lauren French brings us “Intimate Dinner or ‘Tap water is fine'”, a comic solo show about fine dining. A celebrity chef will perform actual cooking demos with audience help. Customers become more demanding, chaos ensues. Will the server keep her cool?

Our Fringe always has a strong dance component and this year is no exception with returning favorites like Yuhas and Company and Stewart Owen Dance, plus 16 other works incorporating dance.

Music will ring out through many shows and, of course, the parties. We have several experimental works, a growing theme over the last few years, including Perspective Collective (“The Pride of Pripyat” an opera about Chernobyl), Matthew Marcum (“Hymns and Oscillations” healing frequencies), and Emmalee Hunnicutt (“Biophilia” multimedia meditation on local green space).

Solo shows, interactive theater, and puppetry abound along with things that defy category, like “Ra Ra RA Da Da Da” a dadaist experiment in avant-garde, marginal, post neo-absurdist after-hours durational variety cabaret! The 18th annual Fringe has something for every weirdo.

Find all the shows, ticketed and free, searchable by venue and date on our newly revamped website AshevilleFringe.org

Disney’s Frozen Jr
Jan 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for your Broadway Junior stars! Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

For more information on The Frozen Experience, please visit https://www.theapaa.com/frozenjr. There will be no refunds or exchanges for tickets purchased for the incorrect cast.

Modelface Comedy Presents: Michael Palascak
Jan 19 @ 7:00 pm
The Mothlight

Comedian Michael Palascak
Live at The Mothlight
Sunday, January 19th
Doors 7pm
Tickets: $15

Michael Palascak was named the 2018 Stand-up of the Year by the Late Nite Last Week podcast for his performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He’s also done stand-up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CONAN, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Letterman, Comedy Central’s HALF HOUR, was a top 5 Finalist on LAST COMIC STANDING, and this past summer he performed at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival where he taped a set for Kevin Hart’s LOL network. Norm Macdonald said Michael reminds him, “…of a guy that’s just as funny offstage as on, which is like magic.” Michael’s short film You’re Alive was accepted into numerous festivals including the Hollywood Comedy Shorts Festival and was the winner of the Audience Award at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.

http://www.michaelpalascak.com/

Featuring James Harrod and Kelly Morgan

The Last Great Hunt’s New Owner
Jan 19 @ 7:00 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

The Last Great Hunt's New Owner by Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, January 16 & 17, 2020 at 8pm; Jan. 18 at 2pm & 8pm; Jan. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Bart is a boisterous puppy at the shelter, and Mabel is a lonely widow. The day they find each other marks the beginning of a profound friendship. But Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and, suddenly, he’s alone. Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner transports audiences to a world full of adventures, told from a dog’s perspective. From the minds of Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, founding members of Australian theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, comes a touching and stunningly beautiful new story about loss, friendship and new beginnings — an up-close and personal experience at the intimate Tina McGuire Theatre.

Monday, January 20, 2020
Martin Luther King Weekend Retreat “Being Beloved Community”
Jan 20 all-day
Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center

 

Retreatants will be invited to pause, to stop running, to stop ‘doing’, to calm minds and bodies and be at ease. During this retreat, the focus is on reconciliation, transformation, healing and how to bring quantitative change in one’s life by the mindfulness practices of walking, eating and sitting meditation, connecting with ancestors, deep listening, loving speech and the practice of touching the earth. A retreat is an opportunity to let go of worry and anxiety about the past and the future, rest, and begin to be present for what is happening in the present moment.

The retreat is being led by Sister True Moon of Clear Grace, a resident nun at Heartwood who received her novice ordination in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition headed by the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Sister Clear Grace shares that, “the practice of mindfulness has been the greatest source of insight and transformation to heal from injustices of all kinds. It has helped me to learn truths and unlearn deeply embedded beliefs that have kept me away from the liberation of such sufferings in my daily life.”

This retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners. Participants may register to stay at Heartwood or sign up for the commuter option. More information, registration and other retreats at www.heartwoodrefuge.org.

Sister Clear Grace is a member of the Care Taking Council for the Earth Holder Community, a mindful Earth/Social justice initiative in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. She is a Core member for ARISE Sangha (Awakening through Race, Intersectionality, and Social Equity), a community of mindfulness practitioners and monastics who come together to heal the wounds of racial injustice and social inequity, beginning with looking deeply within oneself and using energy of compassion, understanding, and love in action.

Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides interfaith meditation and wellness retreat. Heartwood is neither defined by a single lineage, nor confined by any single sect or practice. Heartwood hosts teachers from all faiths and wisdom traditions to share teachings and activities that promote compassion and clarity, whether through traditional wisdom or new thought.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Asheville Restaurant Week: Jan. 21 – 26
Jan 21 all-day
City of Asheville

 

Enjoy the tastiest cuisine of the city during Asheville Restaurant Week, presented by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, January 21-26, 2020! Participating restaurants will provide special menus or pricing. Click here for a full list of special pricing and participating restaurant menus. During Asheville Restaurant Week, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t embrace the key tenets of farm-to-table dining. Asheville is home to more than 250 independent restaurants, 20 regional tailgate markets and a growing number of craft breweries. Their commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States. This is one week not to miss!

Celebrating our Culinary Community

During Asheville Restaurant Week, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t embrace the key tenets of farm-to-table dining. Asheville is home to nearly 250 independent restaurants, 20 regional tailgate markets and a growing number of craft breweries. Our commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States.

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Asheville Restaurant Week: Jan. 21 – 26
Jan 22 all-day
City of Asheville

 

Enjoy the tastiest cuisine of the city during Asheville Restaurant Week, presented by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, January 21-26, 2020! Participating restaurants will provide special menus or pricing. Click here for a full list of special pricing and participating restaurant menus. During Asheville Restaurant Week, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t embrace the key tenets of farm-to-table dining. Asheville is home to more than 250 independent restaurants, 20 regional tailgate markets and a growing number of craft breweries. Their commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States. This is one week not to miss!

Celebrating our Culinary Community

During Asheville Restaurant Week, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t embrace the key tenets of farm-to-table dining. Asheville is home to nearly 250 independent restaurants, 20 regional tailgate markets and a growing number of craft breweries. Our commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States.

 

PreSale Event: Trolls Live!
Jan 22 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

You are invited to get your tickets today,

BEFORE they go on sale to the public.

Just use the presale password VMAIL to

purchase your tickets by Thursday, January 23.

 

Join the Trolls-tastic VIP party!

The VIP package perks include:

 

– Premium main floor seating in one of the first few rows

– Meet and Greet opportunity with Poppy and Branch

– VIP merchandise item and souvenir lanyard

– Sing-a-longs, exclusive photo ops and more!

Thursday, January 23, 2020
Asheville Restaurant Week: Jan. 21 – 26
Jan 23 all-day
City of Asheville

 

Enjoy the tastiest cuisine of the city during Asheville Restaurant Week, presented by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, January 21-26, 2020! Participating restaurants will provide special menus or pricing. Click here for a full list of special pricing and participating restaurant menus. During Asheville Restaurant Week, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t embrace the key tenets of farm-to-table dining. Asheville is home to more than 250 independent restaurants, 20 regional tailgate markets and a growing number of craft breweries. Their commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States. This is one week not to miss!

Celebrating our Culinary Community

During Asheville Restaurant Week, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t embrace the key tenets of farm-to-table dining. Asheville is home to nearly 250 independent restaurants, 20 regional tailgate markets and a growing number of craft breweries. Our commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, has earned Asheville the designation as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in the United States.