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, December 21, 2023
Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Dec 21 all-day
Asheville Area

Explore the Rich Heritage of Black Communities in Asheville

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail leads visitors through three areas of Asheville: Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The entire trail takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk and read.

Reflecting on Community Resolve

Did you know that Black people helped create this region’s first non-Indigenous households? Did you know that Black people helped build Asheville and connected Asheville globally? Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts. Black families cultivated close-knit neighborhoods. Black people from all backgrounds built resilient communities and fostered social change.

Immerse yourself in the history and heroism of Black Ashevillians by walking the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Deepen your understanding with articles, videos, and more resources available here on the trail’s website.

Follow the Trail

Experience this trail in pieces as you explore Asheville or start at one of our three introduction kiosks to learn more about how Black people in Asheville negotiated landscapes of unequal power to build resilient communities and foster social change.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 21 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 21 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 21 @ 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)
Trolley La La La
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 5:30 PM

You can purchase a music-only ticket which will get you in the door for live holiday music by Brody Hunt & The Silent Knights

Join us for our 8th annual Trolley La La La at The Grey Eagle! Trolley to the Omni Grove Park Inn followed by an oyster roast (purchase oysters separately) with live holiday music from Brody Hunt & The Silent Knights at The Grey Eagle! We’ll also be collecting canned food items for MANNA Food Bank.

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING: THE SILENT KNIGHTS beginning at 8PM. An Asheville-area honky-tonk band playing classic holiday tunes! 

– ALL AGES // DOORS 5:30PM

– 2 SEPERATE TROLLEY DEPARTURES

   • FIRST TROLLEY DEPARTS AT 6PM, SECOND AT 6:30PM

– OYSTERS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

– MUSIC FT THE SILENT KNIGHTS STARTS AT 8PM

– WEAR YOUR HOLIDAY BEST ATTIRE

Proceeds benefiting Can’d Aid Foundation.

Friday, December 22, 2023
Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Dec 22 all-day
Asheville Area

Explore the Rich Heritage of Black Communities in Asheville

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail leads visitors through three areas of Asheville: Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The entire trail takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk and read.

Reflecting on Community Resolve

Did you know that Black people helped create this region’s first non-Indigenous households? Did you know that Black people helped build Asheville and connected Asheville globally? Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts. Black families cultivated close-knit neighborhoods. Black people from all backgrounds built resilient communities and fostered social change.

Immerse yourself in the history and heroism of Black Ashevillians by walking the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Deepen your understanding with articles, videos, and more resources available here on the trail’s website.

Follow the Trail

Experience this trail in pieces as you explore Asheville or start at one of our three introduction kiosks to learn more about how Black people in Asheville negotiated landscapes of unequal power to build resilient communities and foster social change.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 22 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 22 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 22 @ 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)
Santa Visits Mills River Brewing
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Mills River Brewing

Join us for a time brimming with excitement and
delightful memories. Get a free professional photo with Santa to cherish this time of the year forever! Free,
https://www.millsriverbrewingco.com/events

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Teen Cuisine: Gingerbread Cookie Bars 
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

 

$10 | Ages 13-18, advance registration required

Always-hungry teenagers learn culinary skills as they make easy, delicious meals. On the menu December 1 is teens’ choice night and December 22 is gingerbread cookie bars.

Comedy at Catawba: Mandee McKelvey
Dec 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week we have Mandee McKelvey from Kentucky!

Mandee McKelvey was recently named one of the 50 best undiscovered comics in the country by Thrillist, and it’s not hard to see why. As one of the midwest’s most acclaimed stand-up comedians, Mandee is revered for her ability to spin tragedy into comedy, from growing up poor in South Carolina to becoming a widow in her 20’s. Wait, it gets funnier!

Mandee was named a breakout performer at Limestone Comedy Festival and the Memphis Comedy Festival, and has recently featured for Whitney Cummings, Michelle Wolf, Laurie Kilmartin, Tig Notaro, Todd Barry, and Anthony Jeselnik. Her one-woman show, My Left Boob, received the Underdog Award for it’s sold-out debut at the 2019 IndyFringe and Kansas City’s Best of Fringe award in 2022.

Mandee produces the celebrated roast show Character Assassination and the storytelling show We Still Like You.

ages 18+
Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm

Saturday, December 23, 2023
Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Dec 23 all-day
Asheville Area

Explore the Rich Heritage of Black Communities in Asheville

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail leads visitors through three areas of Asheville: Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The entire trail takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk and read.

Reflecting on Community Resolve

Did you know that Black people helped create this region’s first non-Indigenous households? Did you know that Black people helped build Asheville and connected Asheville globally? Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts. Black families cultivated close-knit neighborhoods. Black people from all backgrounds built resilient communities and fostered social change.

Immerse yourself in the history and heroism of Black Ashevillians by walking the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Deepen your understanding with articles, videos, and more resources available here on the trail’s website.

Follow the Trail

Experience this trail in pieces as you explore Asheville or start at one of our three introduction kiosks to learn more about how Black people in Asheville negotiated landscapes of unequal power to build resilient communities and foster social change.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 23 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 23 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 23 @ 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)
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Dec 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Hot Cocoa Creation Bar
Dec 23 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Make your own hot cocoa creation in Perspective Café

Every weekend in December 

 

Unlock the joy and creative spirit of the holidays while also supporting the Museum’s mission! Start your winter cocoa creation by choosing between traditional or white hot chocolate as your base. Next, decorate your creation with all kinds of toppings, including crushed peppermints, butterscotches, caramel syrup, mini marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, and more.

Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Dec 23 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr Asheville

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Dec 24 all-day
Asheville Area

Explore the Rich Heritage of Black Communities in Asheville

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail leads visitors through three areas of Asheville: Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The entire trail takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk and read.

Reflecting on Community Resolve

Did you know that Black people helped create this region’s first non-Indigenous households? Did you know that Black people helped build Asheville and connected Asheville globally? Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts. Black families cultivated close-knit neighborhoods. Black people from all backgrounds built resilient communities and fostered social change.

Immerse yourself in the history and heroism of Black Ashevillians by walking the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Deepen your understanding with articles, videos, and more resources available here on the trail’s website.

Follow the Trail

Experience this trail in pieces as you explore Asheville or start at one of our three introduction kiosks to learn more about how Black people in Asheville negotiated landscapes of unequal power to build resilient communities and foster social change.

Get Festive at The Radical This Holiday Season
Dec 24 all-day
The Radical

This holiday season, local Asheville Chef Jacob Sessoms’ Golden Hour at The Radical has an array of festive offerings, including merry and bright sips and eats on Christmas Day, a prix-fixe Christmas Day feast of festive delights, New Year’s Eve specials like a 1.5-pound Wood Grilled Whole Lobster and more! Please see below for details, here for photos, and let me know if you have any questions. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

– Christmas Eve, Sun., Dec. 24, 4-9pm – Let Golden Hour do the cooking this Christmas Eve! The restaurant invites guests to spend the evening with them and order off their regular menu with merry and bright favorites like whole Sunburst trout with Lee’s rice & vierge and Braised Lamb Shank with winter roots & beans.

– Christmas Day, Mon. Dec. 25, 1-6pm – This Christmas, Golden Hour invites guests to a feast of festive delights for their nearest and dearest with a family-style, prix-fixe menu for $85 per person (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

– New Year’s Eve, Dec., 31, Reservations accepted from 5-11pm – Say hello to 2024 in golden style with dinner at Golden Hour plus a champagne toast, a DJ and more. The restaurant will be serving its regular menu as well as three festive additions to ring in the new year:

1.5-pound Wood Grilled Whole Lobster with charred meyer lemon butter & fresh herbs. $75

½ oz. Caviar Prunier Osetra (France) Johnny Cake Blini with crème fraiche & herb and shallot salad. $100

24 oz. Bone in Ribeye for two with chimichurri, Chop sauce, golden mash & mushrooms. $110

– New Year’s Day, Jan., 1, noon-4pm – A new year and a special brunch to kick it off! Guests are invited to celebrate 2024 with a special sneak peak of Golden Hour’s forthcoming brunch menu, available from noon-4pm.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 24 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 24 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Hot Cocoa Creation Bar
Dec 24 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Make your own hot cocoa creation in Perspective Café

Every weekend in December 

 

Unlock the joy and creative spirit of the holidays while also supporting the Museum’s mission! Start your winter cocoa creation by choosing between traditional or white hot chocolate as your base. Next, decorate your creation with all kinds of toppings, including crushed peppermints, butterscotches, caramel syrup, mini marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, and more.

Monday, December 25, 2023
Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Dec 25 all-day
Asheville Area

Explore the Rich Heritage of Black Communities in Asheville

The Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail leads visitors through three areas of Asheville: Downtown, Southside, and the River Area. The entire trail takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk and read.

Reflecting on Community Resolve

Did you know that Black people helped create this region’s first non-Indigenous households? Did you know that Black people helped build Asheville and connected Asheville globally? Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts. Black families cultivated close-knit neighborhoods. Black people from all backgrounds built resilient communities and fostered social change.

Immerse yourself in the history and heroism of Black Ashevillians by walking the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Deepen your understanding with articles, videos, and more resources available here on the trail’s website.

Follow the Trail

Experience this trail in pieces as you explore Asheville or start at one of our three introduction kiosks to learn more about how Black people in Asheville negotiated landscapes of unequal power to build resilient communities and foster social change.

Get Festive at The Radical This Holiday Season
Dec 25 all-day
The Radical

This holiday season, local Asheville Chef Jacob Sessoms’ Golden Hour at The Radical has an array of festive offerings, including merry and bright sips and eats on Christmas Day, a prix-fixe Christmas Day feast of festive delights, New Year’s Eve specials like a 1.5-pound Wood Grilled Whole Lobster and more! Please see below for details, here for photos, and let me know if you have any questions. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

– Christmas Eve, Sun., Dec. 24, 4-9pm – Let Golden Hour do the cooking this Christmas Eve! The restaurant invites guests to spend the evening with them and order off their regular menu with merry and bright favorites like whole Sunburst trout with Lee’s rice & vierge and Braised Lamb Shank with winter roots & beans.

– Christmas Day, Mon. Dec. 25, 1-6pm – This Christmas, Golden Hour invites guests to a feast of festive delights for their nearest and dearest with a family-style, prix-fixe menu for $85 per person (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

– New Year’s Eve, Dec., 31, Reservations accepted from 5-11pm – Say hello to 2024 in golden style with dinner at Golden Hour plus a champagne toast, a DJ and more. The restaurant will be serving its regular menu as well as three festive additions to ring in the new year:

1.5-pound Wood Grilled Whole Lobster with charred meyer lemon butter & fresh herbs. $75

½ oz. Caviar Prunier Osetra (France) Johnny Cake Blini with crème fraiche & herb and shallot salad. $100

24 oz. Bone in Ribeye for two with chimichurri, Chop sauce, golden mash & mushrooms. $110

– New Year’s Day, Jan., 1, noon-4pm – A new year and a special brunch to kick it off! Guests are invited to celebrate 2024 with a special sneak peak of Golden Hour’s forthcoming brunch menu, available from noon-4pm.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 25 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 25 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.