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, December 8, 2023
Hops for Hunger: Cellarest Beer Project
Dec 8 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cellarest Beer Project

From Heart To Table: MANNA Foodbank:

From now until December 10th, Cellarest Beer Project will donate $1 for every pour of Forbidden, a rice lager collaboration with Hi-Wire Brewing.

Please visit their taproom at 395 Haywood Rd in West Asheville to enjoy a unique brew and help the community while you’re at it.

Nutz + Voltz Seasonal Release
Dec 8 @ 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Enjoy a NEW seasonal release from our partners at Highland Brewing Company. A portion of proceeds from sales of Nutz & Voltz seasonal during the release party will be donated to support land and water conservation. SAHC staff will be on-site from around 4-6 pm. Come see us and then stay to enjoy the music and dance party from 8 to 11 pm!
LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 8 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Holiday Lights + Cozy Movie Night 
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

 

FREE | All ages

Take a stroll under festive lights and enjoy a movie on the big screen with light refreshments.

Hickory Tavern Live Music + Party
Dec 8 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Hickory Tavern
Free Photos with Santa and The Grinch, Best Christmas Character and Tacky Sweater Contest Win Prizes
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Candlelight Christmas Tours
Dec 9 all-day
Historic Johnson Farm

Come tour the decorated, historic farm house and learn about the Johnson Family. Each evening, tours will start at 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15 PM each evening. Registration and advance payment is required. Tickets will go on sale November 1.

$20 adults, $15 students, $15 seniors (65+), free for 4 and under. Children are more than welcome, but please know the tour is about an hour of listening to guides talk about farm history before ending with hot chocolate and cookies.

Music upon arrival provided by local school groups. All tours will end with a visit to the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 9 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 9 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 9 @ 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)
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Dec 9 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
Dec 9 @ 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
ArtsAVL Connect Trolley
Dec 9 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Central Business District to the River Arts District

Starting April 8th, you can ride ArtAVL’s new free ArtsAVL Connect Trolley – connecting the Downtown and River Arts Districts with two overlapping routes.

The initiative is a partnership between ArtsAVL and Gray Line Asheville. Beginning April 8th, two chartered Gray Line trolleys will circulate on 20-30 minute intervals from 12-8 pm on every Second Saturday. Riders are welcome to hop on and off anywhere along the trolley routes.

The Downtown Trolley connects the main areas of the Central Business District to the River Arts District. The River Arts Trolley loops throughout the River Arts District. Residents and visitors can view stops and current location of trolleys through the interactive trolley map on ArtsAVL’s website and the new ArtsAVL app.

Hops for Hunger: Cellarest Beer Project
Dec 9 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cellarest Beer Project

From Heart To Table: MANNA Foodbank:

From now until December 10th, Cellarest Beer Project will donate $1 for every pour of Forbidden, a rice lager collaboration with Hi-Wire Brewing.

Please visit their taproom at 395 Haywood Rd in West Asheville to enjoy a unique brew and help the community while you’re at it.

Christkindlmarkt: A Family Christmas Market
Dec 9 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon

Outdoor German-style Christkindlmarkt.
Artisans & Crafters. Food. Drink. Music. Santa Claus. Children’s crafts. Make your own s’mores. Outdoor games. Fun For All Ages.
Featuring: Haus Heidelberg Food Truck, Guidon Brewing Co., 30 vendors, & more

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 9 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 10 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show
Dec 10 all-day
Land of Sky Shrine Club

Come see over 22 vendors with everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals, and jewelry in the Southeast! The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association (MAGMA) will host our Christmas & Holiday gem show from December 8-10.

Our shows are open to the public, with free admission and food and drink available daily. The show is only a 10-minute drive from Asheville in Swannanoa, NC.

Christmas & Holiday Show hours:
Friday, December 8: 9AM- 6PM
Saturday, December 9: 9AM- 6PM
Sunday, December 10: 10AM- 5PM

This gem show is a fun family event where you can shop for minerals, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry from locally and nationally known vendors. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and you’re sure to learn new things and find some great gifts.

Entering the show is always free and once there, you’ll find prices range from affordable to very expensive. There’s truly a wide variety of treasures to see, from great deals to museum quality specimens! We have something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers.
The MAGMA Land of Sky Gem Show happens 4 times a year, with shows in March, June, September, and December, so this is an event that you can keep coming back to!

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 10 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 10 @ 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)
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Dec 10 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr Asheville

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Hops for Hunger: Cellarest Beer Project
Dec 10 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cellarest Beer Project

From Heart To Table: MANNA Foodbank:

From now until December 10th, Cellarest Beer Project will donate $1 for every pour of Forbidden, a rice lager collaboration with Hi-Wire Brewing.

Please visit their taproom at 395 Haywood Rd in West Asheville to enjoy a unique brew and help the community while you’re at it.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring Ryan Cox, Miranda Allison & Art Sturtevant!!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic+ Feature Comedy
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring great regional comics!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Monday, December 11, 2023
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 11 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 11 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 11 @ 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)
Daytime Christmas Tours Historic Johnson Farm
Dec 11 @ 10:30 am
Historic Johnson Farm

Christmas decorations on the porch of the farm house.

Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.

$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.

$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 12 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 12 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.