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.
An eclectic mix of original music from right here in the Carolinas. Powerhouse guitarist and songwriter Matt Fassas brings his own brand of Americana Jam Rock.
The Well Drinkers are a progressive, original bluegrass and Americana band based out of Western North Carolina, whose range extends to festivals and venues across the Southeast. Since the band’s creation in 2019, the group has striven to combine traditional roots of their Appalachian region with progressive instrumentation, songwriting, and subject matter. The group doesn’t shy away from the opportunity to bring experimental jams, jazz, Cajun, classical and reggae into their live performances.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall Lawn. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.
General Admission Tickets are available on line :: Call the venue for Reserved Seating Tickets at 828-575-2737
:Main Floor Reserved Tickets are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :::: These are the only main floor tickets available :::: You MUST call venue to make a dinner reservation and purchase your tickets :::: General Admission Tickets are available for the Balcony only :: There is no dinner service for balcony seating
This holiday season, visit Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village to find festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa and your favorite Who-ville characters with your Winterfest Village ticket, or come enjoy free live music and character interactions in Legends Plaza. There is something to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit!
Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance
Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
Directed by Beth Norris
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Madelyn Ilana is an Asheville-based Singer/Songwriter, Violinist, and Healing Arts Practitioner. Inspired by liminality, Madelyn Ilana calls her music “Dream Folk”. Her music is for healing and from healing, therefore sometimes soothing and sometimes cathartic. As a violinist with a classical background and a love for fingerstyle guitar playing, Madelyn’s music is spacious, dreamy, impressionistic, reverently spiritual, and deeply emotional.
Madelyn recently released her second studio album, Coming Into the Light, recorded locally at Hollow Reed Recording Arts Studio with local legend Chris Rosser. Coming Into the Light weaves threads healing, grief, spiritual growth, a dark night of the soul, seeking beauty in the present moment experience—no matter what it brings, and somehow finding light within it all.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall.
North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums.
The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!
Rocky Collin w/ Kathryn O’Shea at Great Wild Nowhere
December 9th, 2022
8PM | $5 at the door | 21+
Rocky Collin
(https://www.rockycollin.com/)
Born from a barely used nickname and a borrowed middle name, Rocky Collin began releasing music in 2020. The retro soul pop music is creation of singer/songwriter Raquel Willand. Willand spent her early twenties garnering attention in the Phoenix valley for her voice fronting the indie-rock band, Panic Baby. Her success in Phoenix landed her the Phoenix New Times’ Best Vocalist 2018 award. Now settled in Asheville, NC, Rocky Collin’s debut EP, “Gin for Closure” explores soul pop sonics and her provocative storytelling. Listen to “Gin for Closure” EP everywhere!
Kathryn O’Shea
(http://www.kathrynoshea.com/)
Widely recognized as that Asheville-dwelling vocalist with the banjo and all the feelings, Kathryn O’Shea can’t seem to figure out how to write a song that doesn’t make anybody cry. Since releasing her heart-wrenching solo LP January 9th, Kathryn is now moving into broader and bolder soundscapes made to feel like the light at the end of the tunnel. Her newest single Snakeskin, a heavy-hitting ode to metamorphosis produced by Lee Dyer (tinysunstudio.com), employs O’Shea’s signature confessional lyricism to remind the listener of the imperative necessity of liberating ourselves from the prison of our own shame.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. See you at the show! This concert for kids and families shares the music of the artist named above with a new generation of music lovers, but is not associated with or endorsed by the artist. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. The Rock and Roll Playhouse knows that little ears are sensitive, so we turn down the volume at our shows. However, all kids experience music differently and you may find that your child is more comfortable wearing hearing protection earmuffs.
- ALL AGES
- STANDING ROOM ONLY
- KIDS UNDER 1 FREE
The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. See you at the show!
This concert for kids and families shares the music of the artist named above with a new generation of music lovers, but is not associated with or endorsed by the artist. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse knows that little ears are sensitive, so we turn down the volume at our shows. However, all kids experience music differently and you may find that your child is more comfortable wearing hearing protection earmuffs, such as Baby Banz, which are available for purchase here.
By attending this event, I consent to my image (with or without my voice) being included in photographs and/or film and videotape of the event, and give BBNY, The Rock and Roll Playhouse and their respective licensees and assigns the absolute and irrevocable right and permission to use and publish such content in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter developed.
profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums.
We are grateful to offer a benefit event again this December, the first since 2019.
This year’s performance will feature Chautauqua performer Carol Kessler, as Emily Dickinson, and the Asheville Flute Choir lending their talents to benefit Our Voice.
In the spirit of inclusivity and equity, PAN HARMONIA offers donation-based, pay-as-you-can community concerts. All are welcome.
Our VOICE serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse, through counseling, advocacy and education. https://www.ourvoicenc.org/
Advanced reservations are encouraged, as seating is limited. Those planning to attend are expected to be fully vaccinated for the safety of our community.
Email [email protected] or call the office at (828) 254-7123, if you have questions.
panharmonia.org
This holiday season, visit Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village to find festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa and your favorite Who-ville characters with your Winterfest Village ticket, or come enjoy free live music and character interactions in Legends Plaza. There is something to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit!
Len Graham began his career in Newport Rhode Island in 1979 as a singer with the acoustic duo “Euphoria” who later became the managers for the critically acclaimed singer Natalie Merchant of 10,000 Maniacs. Ever restless, one day Len sold his MG spitfire and fled to the Rocky Mountain National Park where he hunkered down with his songwriting craft and joined the ever popular band “Load Limit.” Back to Connecticut where he and step-brother John Noble formed “Graham Noble,” a band that would join Toy Caldwell and the Marshall Tucker Band during their 1985 tour. After that Len went solo and “Lenny Graham and the Phoenix” would release an EP and be touted by many a record label. He did eventually sign with an independent label in 1987.
Later that year an appearance on “You Can Be a Star”, the first of many a talent show to come, would put him in touch with the Nashville music scene. On to Michigan and a second meeting with drummer Kenny Aronoff, who at the time was with John Cougar Mellencamp, helped him inch closer to realizing his dream. Then with everything in place including management teams on both coasts and after an appearance at the infamous “Bluebird Cafe” in Nashville and a chance encounter with David Olney who was later known as the grandfather of Americana music, Len just walked away.
He kept on honing his craft and releasing his music through his publishing company “Summer Boy Music.” With songs from his double album “Chronicles” now streaming all throughout Europe and America, Len is now content to be retired and nestled here in the Smoky Mountains, performing solo and with the trio “Smoky Blue Rain.” Come and enjoy some songs and many a story from our now native son, Len Graham.
Tickets are $10 for music only; $15 for music + BBQ dinner.
Call 828-926-1717 for tickets!
Warren Haynes Presents: Christmas Jam officially returns in 2022. Following a three-year hiatus, the annual holiday event, also presented by the W&S Charitable Foundation and Stefani Scamardo, will once again descend upon Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, NC on Saturday, December 10 th for a special evening at Harrah’s Cherokee Center to benefit the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity along with BeLoved Asheville. The 31 st Christmas Jam features an incredible lineup including Phil Lesh & Friends (feat. Warren Haynes, John Scofield, John Medeski, & John Molo), Tyler Childers with his band The Food Stamps, Gov’t Mule, Brothers Osborne, Dinosaur Jr., and Beth Hart. There will also be many special guests including Hiss Golden Messenger (Solo), Audley Freed, Scott Metzger, Katie Jacoby, Mike Barnes, and more.
About Christmas Jam
Curated and presented by Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer and revered guitarist Warren Haynes, the Christmas Jam is a one-of-a-kind music marathon. Since its inception in 1988, the concert has provided an opportunity for the performing artists, audience, and the local community to give back during the holiday season as Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s largest annual contributor. For more than 20 years, Haynes – an Asheville native – has worked closely with the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. To date, 40+ houses have been built with proceeds from the Jam and more than 2.7 million dollars has been raised, including a record-breaking half-million dollars marking one of the largest-ever contributions to the organization. In addition to supporting the construction of new energy-efficient homes, proceeds also go towards purchasing and developing land to build entire Habitat neighborhoods – such as the 25-house Hudson Hills neighborhood in West Asheville (the subdivision was named in honor of Warren and his wife Stefani’s son Hudson), a 21-house community in Arden (South Asheville) and a 12-family neighborhood of Curry Court in Candler.
Christmas Jam’s rich history continues to grow year after year and has seen unforgettable musical moments from past performers including The Allman Brothers Band, Ann Wilson, The Avett Brothers, Blackberry Smoke, Blues Traveler, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Bob Weir, Branford Marsalis, Coheed & Cambria, Counting Crows, Dave Grohl, Dave Matthews, The Doobie Brothers, Eric Church, Gov’t Mule, Grace Potter, Hot Tuna, Jackson Browne, James Johnson, Jason Isbell, Joe Bonamassa, John Paul Jones, John Scofield, Johnny Winter, Marco Benevento, Michael Franti, Michael McDonald, moe., O.A.R., Peter Frampton, Phil Lesh, Ray LaMontagne, Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller Band, The String Cheese Incident, Taj Mahal Trio, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trey Anastasio, Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic and many more.
About Warren Haynes
Visionary Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes is a cornerstone of the American music landscape and revered as one of the finest guitar players of the modern era. Haynes is a beacon of creativity that inspires his fans as well as fellow musicians. Throughout his prolific career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and the Dead – and a lauded solo artist, his virtuosic artistry has led to thousands of memorable performances and millions of album and track sales. In 2021, Gov’t Mule released their first-ever blues album, the chart-topping and critically acclaimed Heavy Load Blues (Fantasy Records) – PRESS HERE to listen and PRESS HERE to listen to the Deluxe edition. For more on Warren and Gov’t Mule, visit
www.mule.net.
About Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH) was the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Now serving Buncombe and Madison Counties, AAHH provides affordable homeownership and home repair programs to qualified low-income resident seeking to build a better future on the foundation of stable housing. A decent place to call home and an affordable mortgage enables Habitat homeowners to save more, invest in education, pursue opportunities, and have greater financial stability. The home repair program preserves the character, affordability, and diversity of local neighborhoods and enables long-time residents to stay in their homes. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat and how you can get involved at
ashevillehabitat.org.
About BeLoved Asheville
BeLoved Asheville brings people from diverse backgrounds to use their voices, skills and unique gifts to create innovative solutions for some of the toughest challenges we face: racism and systemic inequities, food and housing security, poverty and lack of healthcare. Our projects include our BeLoved Village of deeply affordable homes; our Street Medic team; cultural organizing and racial healing projects via Asheville en Espanol and Asheville in Black; Rapid Response to community crises; and La Cocina de Mamá/Mama’
The Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus will once again gather to provide great fun and music from around the world!
Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance
Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain
Directed by Beth Norris
FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS
It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.
North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums.
The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!
Virginia-born singer-songwriter Alexa Rose creates her own style of modern folk. Her distinctive vocal sound has bits of Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, and Gilliam Welch. Her earnest, well-crafted songs explore timeless topics. It is American roots music that blends some of the mountains with modern country and a little rock and roll.
Hannah Kaminer is a folk/Americana artist based in Asheville, NC. Raised in small towns in western North Carolina, she fuses echoes of Appalachian traditions with wistful, Americana-style songwriting. Her songs have been recognized in the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (MerleFest 2019), with a Regional Artist Project Grant from a coalition of NC arts councils, and by Asheville’s Brown Bag Songwriting Competition (winning grand prize and crowd favorite).
Kirsten Maxwell is New York native, turned nomadic singer/songwriter. Often compared to artists like Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell, Maxwell is known for her vocal agility. Her vast repertoire, which includes everything from folk classics to jazz standards, is only a compliment to her award winning original songs. Maxwell has opened for Melissa Etheridge, Tanya Tucker, The Bacon Brothers, and Robert Klein. She was last seen touring with legendary singer/songwriter Judy Collins, who calls her performances a “sheer joy”.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.
Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.
Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese
December 2 – December 18, 2022
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, and Thursday December 15 at 7:30 pm
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance
profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums.