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 19, 2020
Be Inspired by Local and National Authors: The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin
Nov 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

The Right Kind of Book Launch:  Celebrating Sarah Loudin Thomas' NEW Novel!
Join us via Zoom on November 19  to celebrate the release of The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas as she’s joined in conversation by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Wingate. Sarah and Lisa will chat about inspiration, writing, and their latest stories. The event hosted by Sassafras on Sutton and the Black Mountain Library will include giveaways and time for Q&A. Join us for a great evening of historical fiction! Registration is Limited!

Friday, November 20, 2020
Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Nov 20 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 20 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Join the library’s Creative Writing Group Online
Nov 20 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Online

This monthly group meets on Zoom where we do several rounds of writing and reading our writing to each other. Our focus is creating a supportive and fun environment through writing exercises and discussions.  You are welcome but not required to bring a 300-500 word piece of original writing.

Carpool Karaoke Challenge
Nov 20 @ 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Online

                        Join us for the virtual event of the year:
United Way’s Carpool Karaoke Challenge

The Fall Community Engagement Event is the one night a year when the community comes together in a fun, friendly competition to help raise awareness of our collective work to reduce the root causes and consequences of poverty. The event also serves as a call-to-action for both businesses and individuals to pledge their time and financial resources in support of the LIVE UNITED Fund.

Because of health concerns, this year’s event (The Carpool Karaoke Challenge) is being held virtually. Ten teams have pre-submitted their Carpool Karaoke videos, and each submission will be shown during the event. The kicker? This year you, the audience, will vote to decide 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. 

YOU’RE INVITED

WHO: You, your friends, family, and neighbors
WHAT: United Way’s Carpool Karaoke Challenge Event
WHERE: Virtual
WHEN: Friday, November 20, 4:30 pm-5:45 pm
COST: FREE. You’ll also be eligible to win cash door-prizes just for attending
*Seating for this event is limited, so don’t wait, register below — you must register to attend the event. A link will be shared with registered attendees the day before the event and will allow you access. 

This is the one virtual event you’ll actually want to attend this year! Ten teams, 10 Carpool Karaoke submissions, 1 champion: YOU DECIDE!

Saturday, November 21, 2020
Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Nov 21 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 21 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Sunday, November 22, 2020
Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Nov 22 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 22 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Monday, November 23, 2020
Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Nov 23 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Friday, November 27, 2020
History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 27 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Black Watch Beer Release! Highland Brewery
Nov 27 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewery
Each year we await this special Friday, but not for the deals you’ll find at the store… We wait for a beer that is oh so much more 😍 We’re kicking off Black Friday with out Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout release. This popular limited-release brew is basically a brownie in a glass, overflowing with smooth and rich chocolatey flavors.
We’ll have our friends from the Axeville Mobile Unit on site for some axe-throwing fun from 3-8 pm, so make sure to stop by and check it out!
Saturday, November 28, 2020
History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 28 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Sunday, November 29, 2020
History at Home: Play the Butter Bean Game!
Nov 29 all-day
Online

This is a variation on the tradition Cherokee Butterbean Game. It can be played by several individual players or several teams. Traditionally, this game uses three butterbeans that have been split in half. More…

From the Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Cherokee people began growing a form of corn two thousand years ago. By about a thousand years ago, or 1000 AD, they were growing corn and beans, as we know them today. Corn, beans, and squash was always grown together and was known as the “Three Sisters.” Beans restore nitrogen to the soil while corn depletes nitrogen. The vines of the beans and squash twined up the cornstalks. When corn and beans are eaten together, they provide complete proteins and amino acids for our diet.

Corn was so important to the Cherokee that they had important celebrations and ceremonies called “Green Corn Festivals.” The first of these was held in August, before the sweet corn was ready to eat. The last was held in October or November, when the
field corn was ready to be picked. At these ceremonies, people purified themselves physically and spiritually before feasting together. At this time, people got married and divorced. All old scores were settled and everyone started a new year together.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Stay Home and Write(rs) Group
Dec 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Firestorm Books & Coffee

No photo description available.

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.

We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!

If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Stay Home and Write(rs) Group
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Firestorm Books & Coffee

No photo description available.

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.

We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!

If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thursday, December 10, 2020
Virtual Meeting – Discord Server with Unity Game Developers WNC
Dec 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

Join us virtually on Discord. This week we will meet online in the meetup group’s Discord Server.

This group is for anyone interested in game development, 2D/3D graphics, animation, virtual reality, etc with the Unity game engine. All skills levels are welcome!

YPA Holiday Hoopla- Members Only
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Archetype Brewing Tap Lounge + Venue

Hip Hip, HOORAY for the Holidays! (We could all use some holiday cheer!)
Join us for our annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 10th from 6:30pm-9:30pm at Archetype Brewing on Broadway (not West Asheville) on their outdoor patio space (yes, we promise there will be heaters!). Their main bar area will be open as well! 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!
𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴! If beer isn’t your thang- they also have wine as an option. Dress in your 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒎, 𝑪𝒐𝒛𝒚, 𝑻𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 for a chance to win some cool prizes in our Tacky Sweater contest!
Also, we will be running a canned food drive to benefit Manna Food Bank, so brings some canned, non-perishable foods to give back this holiday season.
Like our last social- this event will be capped, 𝘀𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗣𝗔 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱. In accordance with Phase 3 guidelines, we will cap the attendance at 50 of our members, and you can RSVP at the link provided. We will also be doing quick temperature checks at sign-in to help keep things safe. We look forward to seeing everyone in person, but of course masks are required for the event when not eating or drinking, and we will be following the usual state and local COVID guidelines.
Use the link in this event to sign up for a slot. Not a member, but want to attend? Sign up at www.ypasheville.org.
Friday, December 11, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 11 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Saturday, December 12, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 12 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Sunday, December 13, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 13 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Monday, December 14, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 14 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 15 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 16 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Stay Home and Write(rs) Group
Dec 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Firestorm Books & Coffee

No photo description available.

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.

We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!

If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thursday, December 17, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 17 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Friday, December 18, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 18 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Saturday, December 19, 2020
UNC Asheville Courses for Community Residents Great Smokies Writing Program
Dec 19 all-day
Online

The GSWP, now celebrating its 20th year of workshops with some of Western North Carolina’s finest authors, is offering five-week, 10-week and 15-week courses including poetry, prose, feature-writing, editing and revision. These Spring 2021 Semester courses have start dates ranging from late January to mid March. Registration is now open, with course descriptions, instructor bios, cost information and more, available at greatsmokies.unca.edu.

Elizabeth Lutyens teaches a group of students.

Social Distance Saturdays Theatre Games Ages 10-11
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Come play fun and socially distanced theatre games with Amanda on ACT’s Mainstage!

The safety of all students and teachers is important to ACT. Masks will be required at all times during the class and everyone will remain socially distanced for all games while inside on the ACT Mainstage with added ventilation. Parents are asked to remain in their cars nearby for the duration of class. We ask that all students arrive 10-15 minutes before their class time to accommodate temperature checks. This class is in-person, with no virtual option. If your child is medically unable to wear a mask for 50 minutes, please check out one of ACT’s many virtual class options instead!

 

Student Ages: 10-11 (Or with prior permission from Amanda Klinikowski. Please reach out to Amanda BEFORE registering for class!)

Social Distance Saturdays Theatre Games Ages 12-15
Dec 19 @ 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Taught by Amanda Klinikowski

Come play fun and socially distanced theatre games with Amanda on ACT’s Mainstage!

The safety of all students and teachers is important to ACT. Masks will be required at all times during the class and everyone will remain socially distanced for all games while inside on the ACT Mainstage with added ventilation. Parents are asked to remain in their cars nearby for the duration of class. We ask that all students arrive 10-15 minutes before their class time to accommodate temperature checks. This class is in-person, with no virtual option. If your child is medically unable to wear a mask for 50 minutes, please check out one of ACT’s many virtual class options instead!