Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Dan Alten is a goofball from Kentucky who travels the country in his poorly maintained car, bringing his intelligently surreal nonsense to dive bars, punk houses, theaters, art galleries, and comedy clubs. He has opened for Kyle Kinane, Rory Scovel, Sean Patton, Hari Kondabulu, TV’s David Liebe Hart, rapper Open Mike Eagle, punk bands GRLWOOD and Boner City, and a guy at an open mic who tried to throw his father’s ashes into the crowd. If you don’t like him you can punch him in the arm.
Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-dan-alten-tickets-83112558901
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!
Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.
Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.
*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!
From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.
Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!
Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)
Stop by to sign up for your slot!
We invite you to join us for the 5th annual Asheville Nativity exhibit, December 11 – 18, 2019. The website is http://www.ashevillenativity.org. Last year we had 300 Nativity sets from 60+ countries, and 1500 visitors who came to see them.
“Took my breath away.”
“Amazing, peaceful, joyous.”
“Beautiful.”
“Impressive and beautifully done.”
“Incredible.”
Join us for a Spirit-filled, family-friendly way to celebrate the Savior’s birth. The life-sized stable with costumes, so popular last year for photos, will be set up again. This is a free event (donations accepted).
We invite church groups or other organizations to help promote this event, and encourage anyone interested to help by loaning a set, hosting, or performing. There are time slots for choirs and music groups on the weekend.
We also have postcards for distribution and promotion and we can arrange to deliver quantities where appropriate. More information at ashevillenativity.org or by emailing [email protected].
Looking forward to another wonderful year,
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!
From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.
Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!
Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!
Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.
Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.
*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.
Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!
From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.
Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!
Come laugh with us at The Orange Peel MainStage with some of the funniest comics in Asheville! Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show begins at 8:00 pm! Tickets are $10-$12.
Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring 10 of Asheville’s funniest and up-and-coming-comics:
Ten comics for only $10!
Becca Steinhoff
Ryan Cox
Morgan Bost
Moira Goree
James Burks
James Harrod
Jake Koll
Derek Boskovich
Kenny Stempien
Katy Hudson
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy. For more info contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes
Cody Hughes is the weirdgod of southeastern comedy. He is a sea urchin – a delicacy but prickly. Cody presents himself first as a reluctant townie, bemoaning the doldrums of the work week, then slowly laces his act with elements of horror, gleefully abrasive crowd work, and feverish improvisations. As the performance opens up, Hughes reveals himself for what he truly is – a circus bear broken loose from his chains yet still wearing his felt crown.
Maria Bamford has described Cody as “a delightful beast” and Samm Severin has proclaimed “A comedy fever dream, Cody Hughes is some kind of wonderful.” Cody is a favorite opener of Lewis Black and has worked alongside John Oliver, Mike Birbiglia, and Rory Scovel
Becca Steinhoff
If you mix a New Jersey dryness with a Southern Appalachian sensibility and add a touch of Jewish guilt, you get the humor that is Becca Steinhoff. Her warm sarcasm and quick wit shows through in her easily annoyed yet bouyant perspective on everyday human interaction. Becca’s ease and appeal has been showcased at events including the Asheville Comedy Festival, clubs such as the DC Improv, and venues including the historic Howard Theatre.
Ryan Cox
Ryan Cox has performed on stages and streets around the globe as a musician and joke-teller. Ryan likes to seek out Kmarts to think about things.
Morgan Bost
A North Carolina native, Morgan Bost has quickly become a mainstay in the Asheville comedy scene. Her comedy captures the embarrassing and often painful parallels between adolescence and “almost-adulthood.” Vibrant yet vulnerable; her high-energy storytelling is influenced by her background as an improviser. She tours all over the southeast and has worked alongside national headliners such as Rob Delaney and Mia jackson.
Moira Goree
Moira Goree is from Asheville,Nc she’s a transgender woman who people have called darkly funny and authentic in her delivery. She’s opened for Shane Torres, Emma Arnold, and Rory Scovel. She performs all over the southeast.
James Burks
James Burks is a Burnsville/Asheville based comedian born and raised south of Orlando, Florida by a Canadian mother who immigrated to the States and an Arizona born redneck father who can make a sump pump from a pillow case and a bag of zip ties. His comedy revolves around his life as a 27 year old glassblowing, goat farming, step-father. He’s been on the main stage of the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC for the Black Out Diaries, featured at The Slice of Life under the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. and been on Michele Scheve’s “EverythingAVL” podcast.
James Harrod
James Harrod is a comic from Asheville, NC. He has opened for Yedoye Travis, Myq Kaplan, Brandie Posey, Geoff Tate, and many more. In addition to performing all over the Southwest, he also hosts the beloved Comedy Freakshow at the Oddittorium. Although James is very funny he never has excelled at ending his comedy bios. James is also kinda tall.
Jake Koll
Jake Koll is an Asheville based comic with a knack for taking audiences on a carnival like ride into his absurd reality. Jake’s comedic styling is captained by is waning self image and his skewed world view. He has opened for nationally recognized acts such as Andy Sandford and Sean Patton. Both of which said he did a great job, but did not want to hang out after the show.
Derek Boskovich
Derek Boskovich is an Asheville comic originally from Charlotte, NC. His comedic style mixes the observational with the silly and profane. You may have seen him unloading boxes at a warehouse, rolling burritos at a restaurant, or nervously pacing at an open mic near you. Of all the comics working in Asheville right now, Derek is definitely one of them.
Kenny Stempien
Kenny Stempien is an Asheville based comedian whose style is predicated on life experiences and misdirection. Quickly climbing the ranks of the Asheville comedy scene, audience and comics alike are drawn to him and it’s easy to see why he was compelled to tell jokes. At his day job as a traveling salesman, people have often heard he’s a comedian and said “yea, I’m not buying this.”
Katy Hudson
Katy Hudson is creating content clouds. Who’s to say whether that means a calm, collected cumulus, or a brainstorm of ideas that flood the banks of the Stream of Consciousness? They’ve been eager to perform since giving their TEDx talk called “Gay Clouds.” What they’ll do next will surprise everyone, including Katy!
Come to Fleetwood’s for a sneak preview of the action/comedy feature “Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark!” 8pm
On a cold Christmas Eve, former mild-mannered college student Casey Smallwood is released from prison after serving ten years for underage drinking. Eager to get out of town, he plans to meet his longtime pen pal on a train to Washington, D.C., but after the holiday express enters the winter wilderness, it’s hijacked by an angry gang of domestic terrorists and highly-intelligent, government-trained raccoons! Not one to back down from a raccoon fight, Casey joins forces with a porter on the train to fight the terrorists and help bring down a top secret, raccoon-controlled, military laser satellite!
The long awaited sequel to the Overbites Pictures and Troma Entertainment cult classic “Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night” is finally here! “Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark” is a send up of several bad action movie sequels, using plot elements from “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory,” “Die Hard 2” and “Speed 2: Cruise Control.”
Tickets $10, will be shown as a double feature with a surprise second film. Also meet and greet with the creators after the screening!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sneak-preview-screening-of-killer-raccoons-2-tickets-83112873843
Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!
Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.
Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.
*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.
Brace yourself for a Singing, Dancing, Comedy Revolution that is chock-full of references to the wonderful world of Broadway!
From the creator of Forbidden Broadway comes the parody of the most talked about Broadway musical phenomenon of the 21st century. Not simply a send-up of the original, this story is interspersed with outrageous references to Chicago, West Side Story, The King And I, Sweeney Todd, and more! Even the stars of the original cast are comically eviscerated and joined by caricatures of living Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Barbra Streisand, and Bernadette Peters.
Whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just like to laugh, there’s something for everyone in this fresh, new musical parody!
Go beyond extraordinary this holiday with tickets to Cirque du Soleil AXEL coming to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13-16!
Experience a new electrifying, world-class ice skating with
breathtaking acrobatics and save 30% off tickets.
Hurry! This offer is available online on now through January 2.
*Offer valid on select seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Additional fees apply.
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.
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.
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.