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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.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Reception: Glass Center Artists at The Mars Hill University Weizenblatt Gallery
Jan 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Mars Hill University Weizenblatt Gallery

The Mars Hill University Weizenblatt Gallery is showing a collection of works created by North Carolina Glass Center artists. The reception will be held on Wednesday, January 22. You’ll have an opportunity to see the works and to meet and talk with the artists. The exhibition runs daily through February 6.

Weizenblatt Gallery is in the Moore Fine Arts Building on the Mars Hill University campus.  As always, the reception and the gallery are free.

The Bookstore & You: Beneficial Relationship Building for Authors with Gold Leaf Literary
Jan 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Caroline Christopoulos and Lauren Harr of Gold Leaf Literary Services, LLC will hold an informational session for authors on best practices for working with bookstores to create a mutually beneficial relationship. They will discuss publishing options and how they affect bookstore relationships, ways to help boost sales, making the most of author events, and more. Christopoulos and Harr have decades of experience in the book industry and have taught courses for authors through the Great Smokies Writing Program, Flatiron Writers Room, and NC Writer’s Network. More on Gold Leaf Literary at www.goldleafliterary.com. This event is free, but does require registration. The deadline to register is January 15th. To register, email [email protected] with the subject: Malaprop’s session.

 

Jus’ Running Pub Run
Jan 22 @ 11:30 pm – Jan 23 @ 1:30 am
One World Brewing West

Join us every Wednesday at 6:30PM at One World Brewing (520 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC) in West Asheville for a community run around West AVL. https://www.facebook.com/groups/988486641322045/ Hang around and grab a drink afterwards. All paces welcome. Well behaved, leashed furry friends welcome.
We will begin with one 4-ish mile route (https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2424498334) through West Asheville, though will expand to include various options in the future.
Food options nearby, including on-site food trucks during warmer weather.

https://www.facebook.com/events/516081612251742/?event_time_id=516081758918394

Documentary Film on the History of Lynching in America
Jan 22 @ 7:00 pm
Highsmith Student Union Grotto.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 22 – Documentary Film on the History of Lynching in America

  • Always in SeasonThis 2019 film, produced and directed by Jacqueline Olive, won the Special Jury Prize for Moral Urgency at the Sundance Film Festival. Reporting on four American communities where descendants of victims and perpetrators are working together to heal, the film explores the lingering impact of more than a century of lynching African Americans and connects this form of historic racial terrorism to racial violence today – 7 p.m., Highsmith Student Union Grotto.
VMI at Wofford Men’s Basketball
Jan 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium
Music Bingo at Banks Ave Bar (Asheville, NC)
Jan 22 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Banks Ave.

Come join us for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo at Banks Ave.. Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome! We’ll see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/391468795015437/?event_time_id=391468941682089

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.

 

PreSale Event: Trolls Live!
Jan 23 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!

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jan 23 @ 2:00 am – 4:30 am
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic every Wednesday 9:(ish)pm at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall.

Fun and free show of hit-or-miss comedy where comics stop by to work on their material or try out new stuff. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3174166542609086/?event_time_id=3174166672609073

Into the Blue: Artist Invitational 2020 at Blue Spiral
Jan 23 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Blue Spiral

Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.

Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk

Into the Blue_ Artist Invitational 2020

Thirsty Thursday
Jan 23 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Margaret and Maxwell

Every Thursday through March, enjoy a 5oz glass of wine for half-price.

A great way to discover a new wine for the new year.

Cheers and hope to see you soon!

Upstate SC Boat Show
Jan 23 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

The 50th Annual Upstate SC Boat Show is coming to the Greenville Convention Center on January 23-26, 2020!

 

The show will host the latest models of boats including:
Fishing, Pontoon, Speed, Ski, Cruisers, and Personal Watercraft.  Additionally, you’ll find boating accessories and everything that you need to start the season off right!

 

Show Hours

 

Thursday & Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

Half Off Thursdays
Jan 23 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 24 @ 1:00 am
Asheville's Fun Depot

Includes All Non Redemption Arcade Games, Activities, and Attractions!

Such as…
Indoor Climbing wall | Indoor/Outdoor Go-karts | Arcade Games | Laser Tag | Bumper Cars | Mini Golf | Mini Bowling | X-Rider Theatre | AeroBall | & More!

https://www.facebook.com/events/323685011602260/?event_time_id=323685171602244

Le Vine Nior/Le Beir Noir (Tasting in the DARK!)
Jan 23 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Conundrum

WHAT IT IS… An experience unlike anything you have ever dreamed imaginable. Your host will engage your mind with charm and wit, and immerse your heightened senses of taste, smell, hearing and touch, while you sip five types of wine in complete darkness. Wine pours are paired with tasteful snacks, one liners, and hilarious hijinks. OR our beer tasting experience will take you on a journey of humor, tasting of five local beers, fun beer-friendly pairing, sight deprivation and enhancement of all remaining senses. The lights will be off, and this is not considered a meal. Designed for adults only, 21 and up. 50-60 minutes.

Business After Hours
Jan 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Date/Time: 1/23/2020, 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Business After Hours is Henderson County’s premier networking event for business professionals, giving you the opportunity to discuss and share ideas while learning about other local businesses. It is a relationship-building experience held in a relaxed setting that benefits you and your company through added contacts and resources.

 

Come Hell or High Water, Remembering the Flood of 1916
Jan 23 @ 5:30 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center

Join us as we present the documentary film “Come Hell or High Water, Remembering the Flood of 1916” by award-winning filmmaker David Weintraub.  Interviews with survivors and their children bring this film alive with the heartbreak, courage, resilience and benevolence of the mountain people.
David founded the Center for Cultural Preservation and is dedicated to preserving mountain heritage and sharing our cultural treasures through oral history projects, documentary films, public programs, books, education and more.
IMPACT!
Jan 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Pink Dog Creative

IMPACT!

IMPACT! is about humans’ affect on the environment. It embraces our negative impact on the environment, as well as solutions for the problems we have created, success stories and the hope for a better tomorrow. Come join us as we creatively explore this topic. The show encompasses a variety of artists who all have studio spaces in Pink Dog Creative. Each artist takes to this show, a unique way to express and interpret the theme. From oil paintings, to stained glass, to jewelry and much more, each artist uses their own unique styles and creative talents to show how humans have affected the environment in which we live. Exhibiting artists include Joseph Pearson, Karen Brown, Pat Phillips, Patti Anastasi, Lucy Cobos, May Rhea, Sandi McAllen, Ralph Burns, Noel Yovovich, Stephanie Grimes, Leene Hermann, Andrea Kulish and more.

UNCA workshop: Why We March. How We March: The Culture of Organizing and Community Building
Jan 23 @ 5:30 pm
Highsmith Student Union Mountain Suites.

Thursday, Jan. 23 – Social Justice in Action Workshop

  • Why We March. How We March: The Culture of Organizing and Community Building – This workshop will be led by Cortina Caldwell, founder and creative director for Artists Designing Evolution, LLC (adé PROJECT) – 5:30 p.m., Highsmith Student Union Mountain Suites.
E. Patrick Johnson, Ph.D. Honeypot: Black Southern Women Who Love Women
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Honeypot: Black Southern Women Who Love Women Cover Image

E. Patrick Johnson’s Honeypot opens with the fictional trickster character Miss B. barging into the home of Dr. EPJ, informing him that he has been chosen to collect and share the stories of her people. With little explanation, she whisks the reluctant Dr. EPJ away to the women-only world of Hymen, where she serves as his tour guide as he bears witness to the real-life stories of queer Black women throughout the American South. The women he meets come from all walks of life and recount their experiences on topics ranging from coming out and falling in love to mother/daughter relationships, religion, and political activism. As Dr. EPJ hears these stories, he must grapple with his privilege as a man and as an academic, and in the process he gains insights into patriarchy, class, sex, gender, and the challenges these women face. Combining oral history with magical realism and poetry, Honeypot is an engaging and moving book that reveals the complexity of identity while offering a creative method for scholarship to represent the lives of other people in a rich and dynamic way.

E. Patrick Johnson is Carlos Montezuma Professor of Performance Studies and African American Studies at Northwestern University and the author and editor of several books, most recently No Tea, No Shade: New Writings in Black Queer Theory, also published by Duke University Press.

This event is free and open to the public. We ask that you purchase the books you want to be signed at our events from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are not only supporting the work it takes to run an events program, you are also telling the publishers that they should keep sending authors here. Can’t make it to the store for the event? Call us or order the book on our website in advance, and we’ll get it signed for you. Make sure you write your preferences in the comments if you purchase online.

Fermented Pairings Series AVL: The Secrets of Homemade Pizza II
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
White Labs Kitchen & Tap
An Evening with Jacob Johnson
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Isis Restaurant and Music Hall

An Evening with Jacob Johnson

“The guitar is not just an instrument in the hands of Jacob Johnson – it’s his soul-mate.” – No Depression

Seated Lounge Show:: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner  Reservations

Cara Vita: A Clown Concerto
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Mothlight at Mr.Fred's

Felicity Hesed’s “Cara Vita: A Clown Concerto” explores the joys, sorrows, and hilarity of contemporary adulthood through music, circus, and magic.

“Felicity Hesed is an absolute delight…as an actor, an aerialist, and physical comedian.
‘Cara Vita’ thoughtfully, playfully, lovingly, joyfully takes us along for the ride.”
– Steve Smith (Emmy Award winner, Clown Hall of Fame inductee, and Big Apple Circus Director)

“Cara Vita” is both a deeply personal and universally human story. Created and performed by Felicity Hesed, this comedy offers a uniquely female perspective on the struggles of maintaining one’s identity in the midst of family life. “Cara Vita: A Clown Concerto” incorporates music, trapeze, and magic to spin a whimsical tale of love and loss. Hesed’s show offers a fresh, female voice in the world of clowning.

“…a hilarious, heartbreaking and sexy piece of clown theater.” – (Jeff Raz, Cirque du Soleil)

San Francisco-based, Felicity Hesed developed this innovative and interactive show in collaboration with award-winning Director Jeff Raz. Felicity Hesed is joined on stage by violinist Clare Armenante who creates an invigorating and masterful soundscape based on Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. The show culminates in a stunning trapeze act, choreographed by master aerialist Elena Panova.

“Felicity Hesed’s ‘Cara Vita’ is a cleverly crafted solo piece incorporating music, clowning and movement into one thoroughly entertaining show. Filled with fun surprises, Hesed’s sharp comic timing will keep you laughing and wondering what will come next. But underneath the silliness is an achingly sincere exploration of marriage and motherhood as seen through the eyes of an artist, asking a question that many can relate to: what happens to your art when life gets in the way?”
– Genie Cartier (Founder of Bow & Arrow Circus Theatre Collective)

“Cara Vita: A Clown Concerto” was developed as part of an Artist Residency at Circus Center in San Francisco. It made its world premiere at the San Francisco International Arts Festival. “Cara Vita” will be on tour in 2020, including performances in San Francisco, Asheville, and London.

Family Fringe Fest: URIKUBU: Language without Frontiers
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm
Magnetic Theater.

La Gaviota Teatro brings their multidisciplinary theatre work “URIKUBU: Language without Frontiers” from Mexico City to the Magnetic Theater. Have you ever seen a dragon being born or met the God of Time? Through puppetry, live music, dance and a language made up just for this show, experience the magic. 3 shows: Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 pm, Friday, Jan. 24 at 5 pm, Saturday, Jan. 25 at 5 pm.

Le Vine Nior/Le Beir Noir (Tasting in the DARK!)
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Conundrum

WHAT IT IS… An experience unlike anything you have ever dreamed imaginable. Your host will engage your mind with charm and wit, and immerse your heightened senses of taste, smell, hearing and touch, while you sip five types of wine in complete darkness. Wine pours are paired with tasteful snacks, one liners, and hilarious hijinks. OR our beer tasting experience will take you on a journey of humor, tasting of five local beers, fun beer-friendly pairing, sight deprivation and enhancement of all remaining senses. The lights will be off, and this is not considered a meal. Designed for adults only, 21 and up. 50-60 minutes.

City Dance
Jan 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Jeff Anders & Jesse Barry – Acoustic Rock
Jan 23 @ 8:00 pm
Pack's Tavern

Live Music – never a cover charge!

Nicholas Jamerson
Jan 23 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ambrose West

Worthwhile Sounds presents: Nicholas Jamerson

“With his dreamy acoustic picking and a voice that runs molasses-thick, old-soul Nicholas Jamerson writes earnest songs that are filled with heart. His songs spin tales of southern gothic drama woven with an intricate emotional framework, underscored with delicate Americana instrumentation and country-folk melodies.

Slim Gambill, Guitarist for Lady Antebellum: “Fake Jazz & Theme Songs” LP Launch Tour
Jan 23 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Restaurant and Music Hall

Slim Gambill, Guitarist for Lady Antebellum: "Fake Jazz & Theme Songs" LP Launch Tour

Fresh off of features in ROLLING STONE, BILLBOARD, PARADE, JAZZ GUITAR TODAY, Lady Antebellum guitarist Slim Gambill is making his Asheville debut with his instrumental jazz/rock/jam band project!

Main Stage Seated :: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations

Friday, January 24, 2020
Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia at The One Stop
Jan 24 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 am
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia is a team trivia played in 7 rounds over the course of 2 endlessly entertaining hours. The game covers everything pop culture and is always irreverent by nature. The game is not your average pub quiz as it explores everything from didgeridoo covers of pop songs to bad celebrity tattoos and everything in between. Ever wanted to identify animals by their gonads? Then this is the game for you! Mitch curates a one of a kind trivia smorgasbord of random, unusual, and hilarious subjects. This absurd trivia game is not about historical facts or sports stats, it is all about random movies, unforgettable ear-worms, and the hilariousness of growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. The game starts at 7pm in the cozy One Stop in downtown Asheville. Drink specials include $4 bourbon/$4 Washington Apple Shots and $5 White Russians, and food is available from MOJO Kitchen which offers 1/2 price nachos during the game! Best of all the winning team each week takes home a collection of Totally Rad Prizes including a $35 gift certificate to The One Stop/MOJO Kitchen.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2129604460458895/?event_time_id=2129604610458880

Open Mic Night at Triskelion!
Jan 24 @ 12:00 am – 2:30 am
Triskelion Brewing Company

Triskelion Open Mic Night!
Second and Fourth Thursdays of Every Month
Stage Opens at 7pm…

Come on out and play a song or two… strut your stuff… Have a band? Bring them along too…

Contact Chris for more info…

https://www.facebook.com/events/282524772696058/?event_time_id=282524792696056