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 28, 2019
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Nov 28 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Season’s at Highland Lake

Season’s at The Highland Lake Inn hosts a special Thanksgiving Day Buffet! $52 for adults and $26 for children. Reservations are required.

Starters Butternut Squash-Granny Smith Apple Bisque  Lentil & Italian Sausage Soup

In-House, Hot-Smoked Salmon  with Red Onion, Chopped Egg and Capers

Court Bouillon Poached Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Cocktail Sauce and Lemon Wedges
Warm French Onion – Gruyère Dip Pita Chips, Crostini and Crackers
Season’s Salad Bar  Baby Greens, Sliced Cucumbers, Julienne Carrots,  Grape Tomatoes, Red Onion & Assorted Cheeses. Creamy Buttermilk Dressing and Oak-Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette

Fresh Fruit Display with Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Red Grapes and Assorted Berries

Composed Salads Baby Red Potatoes with Bacon, Celery, Red Onion and a  Whole Grain Mustard Dressing

Wild Rice Salad with Spinach, Mushrooms, Carrots, Onions and a Rice Wine Vinaigrette

Orzo with Broccoli Florets, Roasted Red Peppers, Water Chestnuts and a Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Thanksgiving Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville – Biltmore
Nov 28 @ 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville

Thanksgiving Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville - Biltmore

Dishes include:
– Golden Beet Salad (Veg) – Arugula, Blue Cheese, Pralines & Ver Jus
– Kale Citrus Salad (Veg, GF) – Autumn Greens, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Almonds & Lemon Vinaigrette
– Pumpkin Bisque – Creamy Roasted Pumpkin with Hint of Autumn Spice
– Roasted Turkey – Brined Turkey with Fresh Herbs & Rosemary Giblet Gravy
– Braised Beef Brisket – Caramelized Onion & Wild Mushrooms
– Sugar Rubbed Ham – Root Beer Glaze
– Sweet Potato Casserole (Veg, GF) – Creamy Yukon Potatoes, Brown Sugar & Marshmallows
– Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Veg, GF) – Creamy Yukon Potatoes, Cream & Garlic
– Cauliflower Gratin (Veg)
– Roasted Butternut Squash – Bourbon Maple Glaze
– Southern Cornbread Stuffing – Local Sage, Savory Sausage
– Green Bean Casserole (Veg) – Cream, Cremini Mushrooms, Roasted Onions
– Cranberry Sauce (V) – Fresh Cranberries, Orange & Herbs
– Wild Rice Pilaf (Veg) – Roasted Onion, Carrots, Celery & Fresh Herbs
– Peanut Butter Fudge Pie
– Strawberry Shortcake Tuxedo
– Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding
– Pumpkin Pie
– DoubleTree Cookies

Complimentary Beverages:
Iced Tea, Tea, Coffee & Apple Cider

Beer & wine are available for an additional cost.

Pricing does not include fees or taxes.

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 28 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

City Dance
Nov 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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

Friday, November 29, 2019
Archetype Holiday Beer Release & Hipster Santa Photo Booth
Nov 29 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing - West Asheville

Archetype Holiday Beer Release & Hipster Santa Photo Booth

Baby, it’s cold outside, and few things are better than enjoying a winter warmer this season. We’re releasing our 2019 Holiday Beer for you to enjoy with friends and family by the fire, whether that’s a campfire or a fireplace. To celebrate, come join us on Black Friday to get your photo with a very Asheville Santa Claus at our West Asheville taproom! We can promise, it’ll be way more fun than waiting in line at Best Buy. Santa will be set up from 3-6pm, but bottles go on sale starting at 12 when we open! This year’s Holiday Beer is a Belgian Quad aged on American Oak spirals to round out the flavor. Ringing in at 11.5%, this one will warm your cold, cold heart. Delicious beer, festive photos…this is the way to kick the holiday season off right.

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 29 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

Black Friday: Holiday Dance Party Orange Peel
Nov 29 @ 8:00 pm
Orange Peel

Ages 18+

8pm – Doors x Networking x Face Painting
9pm – ( Guest Dj )
10pm – Dj Brent Brown (Throwbacks x Hip Hop)
11pm – Dj Audio (Hip Hop/ R&B x Twerk

After Party: Room 9 | Midnight – 2am**

A % of Profits will go to supporting the YMICC + Brother Wolf**

Saturday, November 30, 2019
Christmas at Connemara Sandburg Home
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home


Christmas at Connemara

Musicians and storytellers, crafts and sing-a-longs, hot cider and cookies. This free festive celebration will honor Carl Sandburg and his family holiday traditions. Young visitors will find many opportunities for participation in storytelling, sing-a-longs and crafts. The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburgs with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2020.

Image result for Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Finally, on Saturday November 30th after Thanksgiving, we’re excited that it’s Kid Hop time again! Kid Hop Hooray (our awesome indoor family dance party that happens monthly all winter long) is back. This event is for kids of all ages, with family-appropriate music from DJ Oso! Drop in anytime – it goes from 10am til 1pm. There will be FREE Glow accessories for little dancers while they last, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery, as well as popcorn and juice boxes! And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments.

Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.

Chocolate & Beer Pairing
Nov 30 @ 2:00 pm
Highland Brewery Event Center Mezzanine

We are teaming up with local chocolatier French Broad Chocolate for a seasonal tasting experience during the our Holiday Market. Representatives from the French Broad Chocolate and Highland will walk you through the processes for making chocolate and beer with expertly paired samples along the way.

Festival of Lights Walk Thru-Lake Julian
Nov 30 @ 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.  Walk through the park and view the dazzling displays.  Santa, hot chocolate and more awaits you.
*More details will be available in early November

Literacy Council November Community Box Partner: Chiesa Restaurant
Nov 30 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chiesa

Community Box Partner

Each month, we are honored to be a community partner to a local non-profit that is working to make Asheville a better place. Over the past year we have supported the following non-profits who are making a difference in our community: Pisgah Legal Services, Mountain Child Advocacy Center, Asheville City Schools Foundation, Helpmate, The Montford Players, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville Symphony, BeLoved, Food Connection, The Montford Neighborhood Association, Immediate Theatre Project, The Asheville Humane Society, Western North Carolina Aids Project, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Great food in Montford and when diners leave donations for the Literacy Council, Chiesa will match up to $500!

Chiesa (Italian for church) is a quaint Italian restaurant featuring generations of family recipes, house-made pasta, and local ingredients. Located in the historic Montford neighborhood, Chiesa (pronounced kee-ay-sa) is housed in a building that has been at the center of the community for over one hundred years, serving as the local grocery store, then as a church, and since 2014, the neighborhood Italian restaurant. Our friendly staff welcomes all guests as family, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere for both inside and patio dining (when weather permits).

Sunday, December 1, 2019
Highland Brewing Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing
Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing

Sunday, December 1st, at 1pm on the Event Center Mezzanine. This is a ticketed event during Highland’s free Holiday Market. Join the WNC Cheese Trail, The American Pig, and Highland Brewing for a cheese, meat and beer tasting experience during the Highland Holiday Market! Sample offerings from three local cheese makers, Appalachian charcuterie, and beers from Asheville’s first brewery.

Monday, December 2, 2019
Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 2 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Think Tank Tuesdays Trivia Night
Dec 3 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hillman Beer

Hillman Beer’s Trivia Night is on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm! Get ready to drink some beer, test your wit, and have some fun!

Details:
– Please arrive at 6:30pm
– Max 6 people per team
– First place gets a $50 Hillman Beer Gift Card!

Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 3 @ 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 4, 2019
Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Dec 4 @ 9:00 pm – Dec 5 @ 3:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748901052910

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Thursday, December 5, 2019
Semi-Wild Women’s Night
Dec 5 @ 10:30 pm – Dec 6 @ 1:00 am
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Ladies, please join us the first Thursday of every month** for great wine, great friends, and lots of fun!

**July’s event will not be held because of the 4th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2190909954570744/?event_time_id=2190909981237408

Balsam Range Art of Music Festival Kickoff
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Folkmoot Center

Tickets for Balsam Range Art of Music Festival Kickoff in Waynesville from ShowClix

For the second year, Balsam Range opens its December Art of Music Festival with an official Waynesville kickoff at the Queen Auditorium, at Folkmoot Center in the Historic Hazelwood School.

Members of Balsam Range will be joined by a strong lineup of special guests to launch their popular weekend festival with a performance on Thursday, December 5.

In a special night honoring the art of songwriting, Balsam Range welcomes John Wiggins, Milan Miller, Aaron Bibelhauser and Missy Armstrong, and adds an appearance by Terry Baucom, a founding member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out and Boone Creek, and current leader of his band The Dukes of Drive.

Balsam Range will follow the songwriters with its own performance, and will give a sneak-peek of some material from its upcoming album (Note: no recording devices allowed in the auditorium). In addition, Balsam Range’s Marc Pruett will sign copies of his new autobiography “Rascally Mountain Boy”, and may share a tale of two from the book.

The event begins with a social gathering at 6pm, with barbeque and fresh beer available for purchase.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, and can be purchased in advance at Folkmoot.org or by calling 828.452.2997. Tickets sales and contributions support Folkmoot programs that sustain cultural arts for youth and families in Western North Carolina.

Food will be available at the event:
BBQ chopped pork with a choice of 2 sides from; slaw, beans or collards: $12.00
Peach Cobbler: $3.00

Serving: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Capella on 9 Repeal Day Celebration
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Capella on 9

Our ancestors lived in a world without alcohol, so we would never have to. Join Capella on 9 in celebration of Repeal Day on Thursday, December 5, for a night of spirits and celebrations. Sample limited edition bourbons, including the select Maker’s Mark Stave RC6. Hand dip unique Repeal Day ornaments, sip on Prohibition-style cocktails, enjoy small bites and enter to win Maker’s Mark prizes. We hope to see you there!

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Friday, December 6, 2019
Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 6 all-day
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition! One weekend only, Dec. 6th & 7th at the Colonial Theater in Canton, just west of Asheville!

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 7 all-day
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition! One weekend only, Dec. 6th & 7th at the Colonial Theater in Canton, just west of Asheville!

Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 7 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.

Carolina Christmas Show
Dec 7 @ 2:30 pm
Colonial Theater

Share the joy & magic of the Christmas season with your friends & families at the Carolina Christmas Show, a dazzling production of live music, dance, & comedy! This heartwarming Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Western NC & special guest artists presenting sacred and secular Christmas favorites, including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, & experience the Carolina Christmas Show, a celebration of the true spirit of Christmas that’s sure to become an annual tradition!

One weekend only:  December 6 at 7:30 PM and December 7 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM.

Festival of Lights -Lake Julian
Dec 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

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.