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.

Thursday, November 16, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Nov 16 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 16 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Volunteer!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the best way to get involved at ACT is volunteer! No matter what your skill or experience level, there’s a place for everybody at ACT.

We are currently looking for help in the Box Office and Front of House. The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-4 PM. Let us know if you’d be interested!

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Nov 16 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

NACHO MAMA’S COMEDY IMPROV SHOW: IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE CHEESY
Nov 16 @ 7:00 pm
University Quadrangle, 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804

NACHO MAMA’S COMEDY IMPROV SHOW: IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE CHEESY

Friday, November 17, 2023
Old Farmer’s Ball Needs Volunteers
Nov 17 all-day
various locations

We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:

  • Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!

ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!

The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.

Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.

Volunteer Opportunities

Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.

Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.

Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.

Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done

Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.

Growing Minds Farm to School Mini-Grant
Nov 17 @ 6:30 am
online
ASAP’s Growing Minds mini-grants help early childhood education (ECE) centers and K-12 schools throughout the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina provide children positive experiences with healthy local foods through these components of farm to school: school gardens, farm field trips and farmer classroom visits, and local foods served in meals, snacks, and/or taste tests.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

  • November 30, 2023
  • January 30, 2024
  • March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Nov 17 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 17 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Volunteer!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the best way to get involved at ACT is volunteer! No matter what your skill or experience level, there’s a place for everybody at ACT.

We are currently looking for help in the Box Office and Front of House. The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-4 PM. Let us know if you’d be interested!

Comedy at Catawba: Gilbert Lawand
Nov 17 @ 7:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country.

GILBERT LAWAND is a Brooklyn based comedian by way of Atlanta. You can see him performing all over the New York City area at some of the best shows such as Night Train, the Knitting Factory, and Bar Matchless as well as comedy clubs like Caroline’s, Gotham, New York Comedy Club, and the Creek and the Cave. He also produces the annual Red Clay Comedy Festival which takes place in Atlanta every September. Gilbert has performed in several festivals including Bridgetown, High Plains, and the Laughing Skull Festival where he was a finalist in 2015. He’s a frequent opener for Rory Scovel and has also opened for Dave Chappelle.

 

ages 18+

Doors at 6:30, show at 7pm

 

 

Food: No food sold at Catawba Brewing but outside food is allowed

Parkings options: Street parking around brewery and variety of pay lots around the building

Refund Policy: no refunds within 24 hours of the start of show or after

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Nov 17 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

NACHO MAMA’S COMEDY IMPROV SHOW: IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE CHEESY
Nov 17 @ 7:00 pm
University Quadrangle, 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804

NACHO MAMA’S COMEDY IMPROV SHOW: IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE CHEESY

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Nov 17 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery in the River Art District
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at the hilarious Standup Comedy event happening at plēb urban winery in the vibrant River Art District of Asheville, NC. Join us on Fri Nov 17, 2023 at 7p-9p for an evening filled with non-stop laughter, good vibes and great wine!
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, at plēb urban winery you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the comedic talents of some of the funniest regional standup comedians.
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or simply looking for a night of entertainment, this event promises to deliver big laughs and a memorable time. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the best comedy Asheville has to offer.
Hosted by Hilliary Begley!!!!
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Peter Smith-McDowell!!
Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He is one of the producers of the longest running comedy room in Asheville, The Disclaimer Lounge. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell
Featuring Jason Webb!
Jason is Co-Creator and Co-Host of Follow That! at The Comedy Store on Sunset.Festivals: Bridgetown Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest) !0,000 Laughs Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest), Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Bird City Comedy Festival, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival, Orlando Indie Comedy Festival.
Featuring Jess Cooley!
Jess is a writer and stand up comic from Upstate South Carolina, where he learned how to walk, and talk, and eat food like a real boy. Currently based in Asheville, NC, his comedy involves personal subjects like Autism, religion, and the loss of his favorite sex toy during a home invasion. His unique and colorful perspective brings his stories to life, and his demons to the spotlight.
Featuring Cary Goff!
Cary is considered the Godfather of Comedy in Asheville. Cary started the Disclaimer Comedy Mic in 2009 and it is still going strong today at The Asheville Music Hall. Cary has had humor columns in multiple magazines. He’s the dad you always wanted, except FUNNY!!
Food truck will be available for the whole show!
Grab your friends, bring your sense of humor, and join us at plēb urban winery for an evening of laughter and good times. Get ready to roll on the floor laughing at this unmissable Standup Comedy event!

Saturday, November 18, 2023
Old Farmer’s Ball Needs Volunteers
Nov 18 all-day
various locations

We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:

  • Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!

ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!

The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.

Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.

Volunteer Opportunities

Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.

Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.

Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.

Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done

Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Nov 18 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
PULL #3 — Pick Up Leicester Litter
Nov 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Leicester Community Center

Start the holiday season by making our Leicester community cleaner and brighter! Gloves, grabbers, & safety vests provided by Asheville GreenWorks.

Who should attend: Everyone who loves Leicester is invited to this event.

LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
Nov 18 @ 11:00 am
LaZoom Room


Kids’ Comedy Tour: 
Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.

  • Perfect for birthday parties
  • Makes for memorable school field trips
  • Tickets are $27 per person
  • Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
Democratic Women of Buncombe County Political Forum
Nov 18 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party

Once the Times Square ball drops, ringing in 2024, be ready for a fast-paced 9½ weeks in preparation for your Annual Precinct Meeting in February and the Primary Election on Tues., March 5th.

2024 is an Election Year. If you want to accomplish your goals, engage your volunteers, and get voters to the polls in November, create a well-organized plan of action now. Don’t wait until January. Start now to plan, design, and map your 2024 year.

Led by professional trainer Barrie Barton, this workshop leads you through Map Your Year, a step-by-step approach to plan the year ahead. To receive the greatest benefit from this 1.5-hr. workshop, we encourage all 3 officers and key volunteers from your precinct to attend. By the end of this workshop, your precinct team will leave with goals, strategies and actions to make 2024 a successful year.

Who should attend: All precinct officers and key volunteers

ASHLEY GAVIN
Nov 18 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel
All Ages

FULLY SEATED SHOW

Ashley Gavin is a stand up comedian based in New York City. She’s been featured on Netflix is a Joke, Hulu, Comedy Central, but is best known for her viral crowd work videos on TikTok and her top charting podcast We’re Having Gay Sex.

Ashley is admired for her confidence, authenticity, and unrelenting energy on stage. She is the only angry lesbian beloved by all, including old, straight, white guys. If you don’t believe it, she was Carnival Cruiseline’s first openly gay comedian. She exploded on the internet this year by showcasing her rare ability to authentically engage and improvise with guests on her podcast and audience members while on stage.

Crisp Comedy Downtown
Nov 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Noble Cider & Mead Downtown

Every Saturday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. Crisp comedy features the best local comics and our favorites from all over.

Hosted by Clay Jones

Featuring Brandi Agustus, Julia Macias and more!

ages 18+

doors at 6:30, show at 7pm

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Nov 18 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

ASHLEY GAVIN
Nov 18 @ 9:30 pm
The Orange Peel
Ages 18+

FULLY SEATED SHOW

Ashley Gavin is a stand up comedian based in New York City. She’s been featured on Netflix is a Joke, Hulu, Comedy Central, but is best known for her viral crowd work videos on TikTok and her top charting podcast We’re Having Gay Sex. Ashley is admired for her confidence, authenticity, and unrelenting energy on stage.

She is the only angry lesbian beloved by all, including old, straight, white guys. If you don’t believe it, she was Carnival Cruiseline’s first openly gay comedian. She exploded on the internet this year by showcasing her rare ability to authentically engage and improvise with guests on her podcast and audience members while on stage.

Sunday, November 19, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Nov 19 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Comedy at Catawba: Jeremy Alder
Nov 19 @ 6:30 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Every Sunday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This weekend we have Jeremy Alder!!!

The “bad boy of homeschooling”, Jeremy Alder was raised deep in the heart of Texas without a TV, so he learns something new every time he leaves the house. He is a regular at clubs throughout the Southeast and has worked with several national touring acts, including Demitri Martin, Russell Howard, Tom Papa, Aparna Nancherla, Nicole Byer, Josh Gondelman, Rita Rudner, and Chad Daniels. Jeremy has been a featured performer at numerous comedy festivals, including Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, Asheville Comedy Festival, and Cleveland Comedy Festival, where he was selected as a “Best of Fest”. He is a three-time North Carolina’s Funniest finalist and was a finalist in the Westside Standup Showdown in Los Angeles and Big Sky Comedy Fest in Montana. His first special, “Purity Pants”, is out on DryBarComedy.com now.

 

Featuring Allison Shelnut

ages 18+

doors at 6pm, show at 6:30pm

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Nov 19 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Monday, November 20, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 20 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Volunteer!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the best way to get involved at ACT is volunteer! No matter what your skill or experience level, there’s a place for everybody at ACT.

We are currently looking for help in the Box Office and Front of House. The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-4 PM. Let us know if you’d be interested!

Mills River Cleanup
Nov 20 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Mills River Park

Join us at Mills River Park as we clean Mills River and celebrate with some goodies afterwards!

How do you participate?

RSVP by “joining” this project Meet at Mills River Park at 1:00 pm. Receive instructions and gear, and head out as a group to pick up trash. Return gear to Mills River Park at 3:00 pm and enjoy volunteer rewards!

Need to know

Dress in comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Meet at Mills River Park at 1:00 pm. After signing in, volunteers will receive their cleanup gear. We’ll review safety instructions upon arrival. Return your gear to Mills River Park at 1:00 pm and enjoy volunteer rewards!

We rely on our community’s financial support to inspire, equip, and mobilize volunteers who make an impact. Please consider making a gift in support of this event.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Nov 20 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Growing Minds Farm to School Mini-Grant
Nov 21 @ 6:30 am
online
ASAP’s Growing Minds mini-grants help early childhood education (ECE) centers and K-12 schools throughout the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina provide children positive experiences with healthy local foods through these components of farm to school: school gardens, farm field trips and farmer classroom visits, and local foods served in meals, snacks, and/or taste tests.

Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding. 

Applications due by:

  • November 30, 2023
  • January 30, 2024
  • March 30, 2024

If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!

Fall Phone Bank
Nov 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party

BRING YOUR LAPTOP (if you have one) and your cell phone, and we’ll show you how to make calls to reach people who tend to vote for Democrats, but not often enough! Whether you are an experienced, reluctant, or new and curious phone banker, this training will prepare you for making calls at our headquarters, and later from the comfort of your own home.

Snacks, drinks, and lots of camaraderie on hand!

Who should attend: Democrats or left-leaning unaffiliated voters who are willing to make phone calls to make a difference in 2024.