Calendar of Events
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.
It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast
featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

Come visit the Zuckerman farm where you will meet Wilbur the Pig, Templeton the Rat, the Goose, the Gander, and Charlotte the Spider to witness the miracles that can happen through the simple act of friendship.
Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute
IMPORTANT: register here to get zoom link https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/
FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺
🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.
🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.
🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.
Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!
Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/
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Join us for free-form LEGO building every other Thursday afternoon, at 3:30pm! All ages 5 and up are welcome, but anyone under 10 years old will need to be accompanied by a caregiver. LEGO is provided. Please leave your personal bricks at home. |
The official 2023 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 27, 2023 and will continue through Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Explore an array of exquisite gingerbread houses meticulously crafted by talented competitors from across the nation in the grandest gingerbread house competition of all.
Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed. Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing. CLICK FOR LIVE PROPERTY UPDATES
HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $923,000 to not-for-profit partners in Buncombe County, North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. From October 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024, parking rates are as follows:
- Valet Parking: $35 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking: $25 for day parking & overnight guests
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events.
As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.
The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same – one of wonder, awe and delight.
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Join us for creative writing online! We’ll meet on Zoom and do several rounds of writing prompts. The group is simple – we just write and read our writing to each other. This is a supportive and fun environment that gets your creative juices flowing with low stakes and lots of fun. Email [email protected] for the link to the online meeting. The contents of this presentation are for informational purposes only. Nothing herein constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice on any issue. You should not rely on the information received in this presentation for any important decisions, including medical, legal, or financial decisions. Always consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice related to your situation. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of Buncombe County or its Public Library System. |
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.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s celebrated pre-professional company. A full production with impressive sets and costumes.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the King of the Rats, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting and exotic characters.
Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.
Learn how to consider tradeoffs in urban planning by making planning decisions yourself! On December 14 join Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue, and Trailside Brewing Company in a mapping exercise led by Matthew Manley, project manager for the City of Hendersonville GEN H Comprehensive Plan. Participants will be tasked to balance housing growth and economic development with choices related to transportation, quality of life and conservation. You will have to earn points to unlock game pieces and strive to avoid “raising taxes” in order to “win” the game.
The event begins at 5:30 at Trailside Brewing Company, 873 Lenox Park Drive, with time to network with like-minded locals before the program begins at 6. Hendersonville Green Drinks is a monthly event for learning and having relevant discussions about current environmental issues. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, and everyone is welcome. Drinks and a limited food menu will be available. For more information and to RSVP, visit conservingcarolina.org/calendar.
Join us for an enriching and experiential meetup, where we’ll explore the powerful connection between body, mind, and heart. The session will begin with a Meditation for Emotional Healing, a proven method to alleviate the impact of unhealthy emotions. Led by Bill, a Heartfulness meditation certified trainer and valued member of our meetup, this 15-20 minute meditation invites both beginners and experienced practitioners to delve into the transformative journey of inner balance. We’ll follow up with an emotion identification and coloring exercise. Come, engage in these exercises designed to deepen your connection with self, and discover the profound synergy of mind-body-heart alignment.
Please join me for a difficult but important conversation about how to cope with death, dying, and loss during the Holidays. Whether you are facing your first holiday after the loss of a loved one, are currently struggling with an imminent loss, or just want to open your mind and heart around the idea of death and dying – ALL are welcome!
Come learn some new coping skills and be prepared to share your experiences with holiday loss with the group. No one is required to talk, but everyone is welcome to!
This is an inclusive space where individuals from every nation, race/ethnicity, religious/spiritual belief, gender, sexual identity, disability, and culture are respected and honored for their unique perspective.
Spaces will be limited. Please sign up only if you plan to attend. Thanks!
This event will be hosted @ The Well in West Asheville. I will be accepting donations at the event to help pay for the space. Suggested donation is $10.
Join us for the return of Fireside at The Farm: A Holiday Evening with Mike Kinnebrew. Settle into the magical ambiance of The Farm on Sunday, December 14 and relax into a special evening with the sounds of holiday music filling the pavilion. Mike’s talent for engaging the audience with music from the heart will make for an unforgettable evening. Come experience this charming singer-songwriter and Highlands’ favorite for yourself.
Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.
The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.
Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅
❅ November 17 through December 31!
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
Please leave your furry friends at home!
To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.
Experience the Arboretum in a Whole New Light!
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.
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More at AyurPrana Listening Room under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info📍 Venue: AyurPrana Listening Room📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult♿ Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant❓ View the FAQs for this event here🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert (min 15+ people), please click here🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Asheville🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Tentative Program
“The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 1 RV 269: “Spring”” – Vivaldi“The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2 RV 315: “Summer”” – Vivaldi“Thaïs: Méditation” – Jules Massenet“Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons: “Spring 3”” – Max Richter“The Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas: Verano Porteño” – Astor Piazzolla“Libertango” – Astor Piazzolla“The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 3 RV 293: “Autumn”” – Vivaldi“The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 4 RV 297: “Winter”” – VivaldiAlternatives:“Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons: Summer 1” – Max Richter“The Carnival of the Animals, R 125: XIII. Le Cygne (The Swan)” – Camille Saint-Saëns
Performers
Opal String Quartet
Happens on the following Dates:
Dec 14, 2023, 6:30pm to 8:30pm EST
Dec 14, 2023, 8:45pm to 10:45pm EST
Join us for Jazz Jam Thursday every Thursday from 7-10. There is a suggested donation of $10 and local craft beer and wine for sale. Come as you are or bring an instrument! Open jam starts at 8 after a House Band set guaranteed to fill your soul with groove and joy.
Public parking is available at Marjorie Street, across from Packs Tavern.
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My Story: Four Memoirs by WNC Authors: Lecture and Book Discussion Series at West Asheville Library sponsored by the Wilma Dykeman Foundation. This last talk is by Jo Ann Croom featuring her memoir No Work in the Grave: Life in the Toe River Valley. This is a hybrid event–in person and Zoom available. Register for Zoom talk at [email protected] DISCLAIMER: While Buncombe County has taken steps to protect this video-teleconferencing (VTC) session from unwanted intrusions (such as “Zoom-bombings”), it cannot guarantee the absence of such an intrusion, disruption, or other negative event from this VTC session. By participating in this VTC session, you, on behalf of yourself and any minors participating under your supervision, hereby release Buncombe County, its principals, agents, employees, and volunteers from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions or rights of action, which are related to, arise out of, or are in any way connected with this VTC session, including those allegedly attributed to the negligent acts or omissions of Buncombe County. Further, you acknowledge that you participate in this VTC session willingly, fully assume all risks, and agree that release shall be binding upon you, your successors, representatives, heirs, executors, assigns, and/or transferees. |
Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz are Brevard’s newest and most exciting and entertaining jazz band with a sound that combines the funkiness of George Benson, the soulfulness of Ray Charles and the smoothness of Diana Krall all wrapped together in big Count Basie style arrangements of American and Latin jazz classics. If you are looking for an amazing live jazz experience then check out the hottest jazz band in the coolest city in North Carolina performing every Thursday at The DFR Lounge from 7pm to 9pm
It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast
featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s celebrated pre-professional company. A full production with impressive sets and costumes.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the King of the Rats, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting and exotic characters.
Celebrating 12 years of successful national touring, Christmas with the Celts performs a wonderful combination of timeless ancient Irish Christmas Carols and lively Irish dance with modern contemporary songs but with Irish instrumentation. New Christmas hits, Celts originals and fresh Irish Dance tunes are added to the show each year so that no 2 years are the same. Always a pleasant surprise.
This year Christmas with the Celts will introduce top Irish musicians Patrick D’Arcy from Dublin and Fiachra O’Regan from Connemara, Ireland. These two have performed with Bono of U2, Sting, Quincy Jones, The Waterboys, Bill Whelan of Riverdance, just to name a few. Also, featured will be the haunting vocals of beautiful singer/fiddler Luisa Marion. And an Irish Christmas would not be complete without the unpredictable Irish jokes (craic) and banter that occurs between band members and the audience every year and the always crowd pleasing fiery Irish dancers.
The high-stepping spirited musical selections have audiences clapping along from the first lively renditions of popular contemporary Christmas classics such as Irish versions of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas”, “White Christmas”, John Lennon’s perennial “Happy Christmas” and many surprises. The show presents a perfect combination of modern Christmas hits, lively ancient Irish Carols, hilarious spontaneous humor, thrilling Irish dancing, a children’s choir and meaningful Christmas ballads with lush string arrangements giving audiences a most memorable interactive Christmas experience.
Show founder, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and film score composer Ric Blair says, “You can’t listen to Celtic music and not be happy. Christmas with the Celts isn’t just a concert; it is a spiritual experience of music and dance uniting communities. It’s about bringing young and old together. It is a music of the people. I think that is why this unique melding of modern Christmas hits and organic Celtic instrumentation continues to resonate and grow in popularity every year with audiences.”
Written by Margaret Raether
based on the writings of P.G. Wodehouse
*Please note, this performance is NOT included in the 2023-24 Season Pass*
tickets are, however, available at a 10% discount with the purchase of a season pass
Join us for an holiday presentation of Jeeves Takes a Bow! The British upper crust meets the New York mob in this witty play. Everyone’s favorite hapless hero, Bertie Wooster, embarks on an American adventure armed only with his handsome fortune, his talent for trouble, and his remarkable manservant, Jeeves. In less than a New York minute, they’re knee-deep in trouble with vengeful gangsters, chorus girls, and a new Broadway musical.
NEW QUEER’S EVE
Developed by a Collaboration of Queer Writers
Directed by Dwight Chiles
Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? Join us for a look at this holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.
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
– GA SEATING IN FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. resumes their recurring monthly Asheville StorySLAM at The Grey Eagle at 7:30pm! This month’s theme is….
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 7 years since Devon Allman put together a show at the Fillmore in San Francisco to celebrate the life of his father Gregg Allman. What started as one night of the Devon Allman Project featuring Duane Betts along with a bunch of guest artists has turned into a one-night festival visiting 18-20 cities a year.
This year we are especially excited to announce the official rebranding of the Allman Family Revival to the Allman Betts Family Revival. We have programmed an array of guests who will perform two sets – one featuring songs by Gregg Allman and one featuring songs by Dickey Betts. Enjoy listening to the hits along with the deep cuts from their legendary Allman Brothers catalog performed by Anders Osborne, Luther Dickinson & Cody Dickenson (North Mississippi Allstars), Jimmy Hall (Jeff Beck, Wet Willie), Jackie Greene, Larry McCray, Orbi Orbison, Ally Venable, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and the Allman Betts Band featuring the Tal Wilkenfeld on Bass (Jeff Beck). There will also be some incredible artists that will join us in select cities including Sierra Hull & G Love with more to be added.
The tour will also welcome back The Brotherhood of Light for the otherworldly visuals Allman Brothers fans experienced at the height of their career.
The Allman Betts Family Revival is nearly three action-packed hours that will leave you with a great musical experience and warmness in your heart. Join us as we celebrate one of the greatest bands in the world.
From now until January 2, more than 40 beautiful Christmas trees will be on display at shops and businesses throughout the Swannanoa Valley, as part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) ‘Deck the Trees’ fundraiser. The largest display will be at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State Street, in Black Mountain. The trees have been creatively decorated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, around this year’s theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Each tree has a collection box beside it, and you can “vote” for your favorite trees by placing money or a check in the box.
All proceeds from Deck the Trees benefit the SVCM Fuel Fund. With the rising cost of electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and wood, many of our neighbors can’t afford to heat their homes during the cold winter months, and the Fuel Fund is there to help. Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $250,000 for the fuel fund. Participating in this annual fundraiser is a way to give back to the community, while enjoying a beautiful holiday display.
To visit the trees in person, look for a Deck the Trees logo in the windows of participating stores and businesses. You can also download a list of tree locations, or see photos of the trees and vote online, at svcmblackmountain.org/deckthetrees.


