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, December 7, 2019
Red, White & Boobs: A Jug Band Comedy Christmas (SATURDAY)
Dec 7 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

The super hilarious and Asheville favorite Blaire Postman is back with another group of fantastic femme comics from Washington D.C. for two silly and slightly festive nights of comedy at LaZoom.
Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair

Tickets $12, VIP* $18
FRIDAY
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-friday-tickets-80609133087
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-friday-vip-tickets-80609417939

SATURDAY
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-saturday-tickets-81867749643
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-saturday-vip-tickets-81869087645

*VIP tickets come with VIP seating and a BRÖÖ product gift bag!

Sunday, December 8, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 8 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.

Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Blaire Erskine
Dec 8 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Blaire Erskine is a weekend regular at Atlanta’s Laughing Skull Lounge, where she entertains audiences with silly observations and stories inspired by her eccentric family, rural upbringing, and love for cats. When she’s not telling jokes in Atlanta, you can catch her performing at venues all across the Southeast.

Featuring Brittany Dent

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-blaire-erskine-tickets-81865262203

Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 10 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Vintage Kava

Open Mic at Vintage Kava

Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)

Stop by to sign up for your slot!

Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Studio Zahiya Dance Spectacular
Dec 11 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

VIP Front Row Seating available!

Join Studio Zahiya as we celebrate the end of the year with a Dance Spectacular! Performances include Studio Zahiya instructors, student dance troupes, our kids and teen groups, and special guests!VIP Front Row Seating available!

Thursday, December 12, 2019
Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club
Dec 12 @ 7:00 pm
contact organizer

Second Thursday each Month
If you are interested in joining the Ramble Ladies Evening Book Club held the second Thursday of each month at 7pm, please, contact Judy Deutsch at [email protected].
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefit Planned Parenthood Votes!
Dec 13 @ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Odditorium

Dance and Vote for reproductive autonomy and rights!

Come out Friday, December 13 for the first-ever Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefiting Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic and our critical advocacy and political work.

Let’s throwback to the 1970s when abortion was made legal in the landmark supreme decision, Roe v. Wade, the outfits were incredible, and the dance moves were totally groovy!

Rock your ugliest sweater or your coolest disco outfit and come shake it out for PPVSAT!

Friday, December 13
8 pm – 12 am
The Odditorium
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806
$10 suggested donation at the door
Click here for more info!

Reach out with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Dancing Strong,
Nikki Harris and Katlynn Millette

Saturday, December 14, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 14 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 14 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

LaZoom Comedy: Kyle Ayers
Dec 14 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Kyle Ayers is a comedian writer, actor, and producer. He is the creator of Boast Rattle, a Compliment Contest, the head-to-head comedic compliment show, which is now the television series Nice One on Quibi (which Kyle also created and is the Executive Producer on). Boast Rattle is also its own show on SiriusXM, running regularly.

He has appeared on Fuse, Comedy Central, VH1, and more, as well as in the film Box Elder, as Phil Ryerson. He’s been heard on Comedy Central Radio, SiriusXM, Bob & Tom, and more.

He has performed multiple times at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, where Time Out New York heralded him as a “breakout star.” He’s headlined all over the world, including Bonnaroo, The New York Comedy Festival, RIOT LA, The World Comedy Summit in Copenhagen, High Plains Comedy in Denver, and more.

His live show Never Seen It, where comedians rewrite famous movies and TV shows they’ve never seen, is now a top iTunes charting podcast on Starburns Audio, featuring Dan Harmon, Henry Zebrowski, and more, and has been featured at festivals around the US and Canada.

He also founded, constructed and runs the heralded underground sketch-acting-theater production-weirdness comedy show, “First Comes Love,” where comedians and actors act out anonymously written adult film scripts from actual aspiring adult film writers, solicited via Craigslist. The show was optioned by MTV for a pilot that Kyle will gladly show you because it should be on TV.

Kyle has written for CBS, Comedy Central, TBS, contributed to Roasts, as well as Huffington Post, CNN, The New York Times, Wired, the weekly sports-comedy show Sports Balls, and more.

He was the tweeter behind the internet sensation #roofbreakup, where he stumbled upon a couple breaking up on his roof in Brooklyn, and the entire world joined in. #roofbreakup was viewed over 10 MILLION times worldwide, appeared on NPR, BBC, Yahoo, Buzzfeed (2+ million views), and was even reenacted by Jerry Springer. The viral sensation haunts Kyle to this day.

If you’re still reading, now we’re into the fun stuff. Kyle created/hosted the viral podcast Faking A Murderer, where he talked with eight comedians for eight hours about the show Making a Murderer, but did not tell his guests that he’d never seen the show. He also wrote and put on the satirical play Glengarry Glenn Beck, which is pretty much what you think it is. He has a dozen more ideas that he wants to sell you, and would be extremely excited to talk to you about.

Featuring Gilbert Lawand

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-kyle-ayers-tickets-79792881657

Sunday, December 15, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 15 all-day
Fringe Feast

Join us January 19 – 26, 2020, as we celebrate our 18th year as the fearless, boundary pushing performing arts festival. We are returning bigger and bolder than ever, beginning a little early, with a free preview party, 7 pm, January 11th at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. Enjoy art installations from ZedAVL and Geneva Bierce Wilson, be delighted by everyone’s favorite site-specific dance troupe The Accidentals, and grab a newly printed guide so you can start planning your festival!

Fringe Freak Passes go on Sale December 6!

Buy a Freak Pass now to pick from 25 different ticketed shows, which run Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26. The Freak Pass is only $65. Freak Passholders are given priority with reserved seats. There are a limited number available, when they are gone, they’re gone! Price goes up to $75 on January 1st.

As well as over 100 ticketed show times from local, national and international artists, we have FREE Random Acts of Fringe popping up all over town, all week long, and lots of parties!  The Kickoff party returns to the Lazy Diamond at 7 pm, co-hosted by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, from 6-9pm, on Sunday, January 19th. Check out the new Artist Wine Party, hosted by Zapow Gallery, 7 pm, Tuesday, January 21st. Free after-parties return, starting at 10 pm, Thursday at Sly Grog, Friday at Mothlight and Saturday at The Block Off Biltmore, There you can enjoy more Random Acts of Fringe, meet the artists and chat about your favorite shows! See AshevilleFringe.org for all the details.

Individual tickets for each show are $14-$19 and go on sale January 1. See www.AshevilleFringe.org individual show descriptions and ticketing links.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 15 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Dan Alten
Dec 15 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Dan Alten is a goofball from Kentucky who travels the country in his poorly maintained car, bringing his intelligently surreal nonsense to dive bars, punk houses, theaters, art galleries, and comedy clubs. He has opened for Kyle Kinane, Rory Scovel, Sean Patton, Hari Kondabulu, TV’s David Liebe Hart, rapper Open Mike Eagle, punk bands GRLWOOD and Boner City, and a guy at an open mic who tried to throw his father’s ashes into the crowd. If you don’t like him you can punch him in the arm.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-dan-alten-tickets-83112558901

Monday, December 16, 2019
Makin’ a Difference Monday
Dec 16 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Oskar Blues Brewery

We’ll be at the Tasty Weasel Taproom at Oskar Blues Brewery for Makin’ a Difference Monday on December 16th from 5:30-8 pm. Oskar Blues, Brevard is donating 10% of their taproom sales to Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders so please come support Oskar Blues supporting CRC for ED!

Join the conversation about food, body image, and exercise issues, enjoy a delicious pint and… make a difference with us!

Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders is the only nonprofit in NC supporting individuals, families, and professionals concerned with disordered eating and recovery from eating disorders. For more information about CRC for ED: www.crcfored.com

Oskar Blues works hard to be a positive fixture in the community and that starts with building up others and supporting causes that are meaningful. Makin’ a Difference Monday allows OB to give others the spotlight… to bring awareness and support to nonprofit organizations like CRC for ED. Oskar Blues is excited to feature our organization in December and hopes to help rally support and attention for the work we are doing. https://www.oskarblues.com/location/brevard-nc-oskar-blues-taproom/

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 17 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

Social Justice Book Club
Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Alternates Leicester Library Firestorm Book Store

Social Justice Book Club

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 7 – 8pm
Location Leicester Library – 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Phone (828) 250-6480
Email [email protected]
Event Type Book Club
Age Group Adult
Library Leicester
Details

Build relationships and build your understanding of social justice in this new reading group sponsored by the Leicester Library!

Monthly meetings will alternate between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

On October 22, we’ll discuss I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown at the Leicester Library.

On November 26, we’ll discuss The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater at Firestorm.

On December 17, we’ll discuss How To Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming at the Leicester Library.

You may check out the book from any BCPL branch, or purchase a copy at a discount from Firestorm. Meetings will alternate monthly between the Leicester Library and Firestorm.

Future titles will be selected with guidance from the host librarian and book club participants.

Link www.firestorm.coop…
Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 17 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 17 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Vintage Kava

Open Mic at Vintage Kava

Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)

Stop by to sign up for your slot!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 18 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!

From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.

Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!

Thursday, December 19, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 19 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!

Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.

Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.

*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
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 mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.