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.

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

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.

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?
All items in Bookends Used Book Store will be half-price for this one day sale. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library.

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?

Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?
G&LW Trade Shows are produced in many major trade centers across the United States for the convenience of wholesale buyers. For the past 43 years G&LW’s multiple show venues have been, and continue to be, a top gem & mineral buyer destination. G&LW exhibitors enjoy world class personal service and exposure to the best customers in the business. Our goal is to create an environment that helps exhibitors connect to the right buyers & build successful relationships.
For more information about this show, please check out www.glwshows.com.
In our Restorative Chair Yoga class you will work with props and or in a chair to achieve postures that are restful and meditative. Great for beginners, those seeking relaxation, or participants with joint and mobility limitations.
G&LW Trade Shows are produced in many major trade centers across the United States for the convenience of wholesale buyers. For the past 43 years G&LW’s multiple show venues have been, and continue to be, a top gem & mineral buyer destination. G&LW exhibitors enjoy world class personal service and exposure to the best customers in the business. Our goal is to create an environment that helps exhibitors connect to the right buyers & build successful relationships.
For more information about this show, please check out www.glwshows.com.
Join the Western North Carolina based podcasters from Mountain Murders for an afternoon of true crime, comedy, booze and live audience participation!
Heather and Dylan will discuss truly terrifying Appalachian true crime cases!
Come hang out with the biggest creeps in town & Warm up with a hot blooded murder
in subtle and clinical trauma, this workshop will educate participants about the effects of trauma and stress on the mind and body, along with providing tools for creating relaxation and healing. Each class begins with a lecture of how the nervous system functions in the body including relevant research on the impacts of trauma, moving into how yoga helps us work with trauma through research, and finally learning and practicing some skills that can help anyone to feel more at ease, empowered and in control in any yoga class.About the instructor: Holly Edmonson is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who currently teaches yoga at YWCA and the Charles George VA Medical Center.
The Releasing Trauma with Yoga series will be held every third Sunday of the month from November through March, 11:15 am – 1:15 pm in YWCA’s upstairs Group Fitness Studio. This workshop is free for YWCA of Asheville Fitness and Aquatics Members and $5 per session for non-members. Participants can register for the entire series or come to an individual session. All attendees must register in advance at YWCA’s Guest Services, online through this link, via email by emailing Fitness Coordinator Marty Edes at [email protected] or by phone by calling Marty at (828) 254-7206 x 213.

Join us a sit down discussion with famed astrophysicist, author, and pop culture sensation Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson for “An Astrophysicist Reads the Newspaper” at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Neil deGrasse Tyson brings his trademark academic and illuminating prowess to exploring the world’s and Asheville’s current events. Known by the masses from his social media posts about pop culture subjects and movie premises, his effortless blend of topical modern culture and scientific logic have made him a favorite among people of all ages. In recent years, Tyson has brought his captivating personality to shows such as Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, The Big Bang Theory, and cult-favorite Futurama.
Tyson is the fifth head of the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He is also a research associate of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive” by People Magazine in 2000.
VIP tickets are available for this event. The tickets include:
- (1) Premium Seat at the event
- (1) Signed Commemorative Poster
- Photo Opportunity with Neil deGrasse Tyson after the event
- Access to Pre-Show Event Reception with open and hors d’oeuvres. Tyson will not be present for this event.
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial , Friday & Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8am-12pm. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.
This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.
Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.
The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial , Friday & Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8am-12pm. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.


Please join us for a fundraiser for the Asheville Humane Society. Pilates with Puppies will be a basic Pilates class, with puppies provided by AHS. Please BYO yoga or Pilates mat and a small towel. Please do not bring your own puppy! $15. Pre-registration required.
A Robert Burns 261st Birthday Celebration Dinner will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Country Club of Asheville. The event is sponsored by the Dunkeld and Birnam Committee of Asheville Sister Cities, Inc. (a 501c3 non-profit) which will benefit from the net proceeds of the dinner, optional whisky tasting, and charity raffle & auction.
A formal Robert Burns Dinner Ceremony beginning at 5:30 pm will include a three course meal with Haggis, a piper, poets, dancers and other entertainment. Scottish attire is recommended. Cocktails and other refreshments will be available from a credit card bar. An optional Scotch Whisky Blind Tasting of five single malts will be conducted with a $50 entry fee. Guests may also buy raffle tickets for an assortment of Scottish themed gifts and bid on auction items.
Tickets for the dinner ($100 per person) may be purchased on Eventbrite.com, downloading a registration form from ashevillesistercities.org/burns/, or by sending a check payable to the Asheville Sister Cities, Inc. to 994 Clovertop Lane, Arden, NC 28704. You will receive a follow up letter with additional information.

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial , Friday & Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8am-12pm. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.
Cr
ystal Singing Bo
The sounds and vibrations of the Crystal Bowls travel into the body on a cellular level to help promote healing and bring the body into a state of wellness and balance. During a Crystal Bowl Meditation, one may explore deeper aspects of emotional release and resolution. The journey inward may bring clarity and a new sense of awareness that was not present before. The benefits are amplified by the tons of Himalayan Salt Crystals in our Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary and the salt and negative ion enriched micro-climate we have created. Reservations are required, we have very limited space. $45/person
Please call us at (828) 505 1838
wl Meditation with Riitta
Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation with Riitta
We know special events and festivals have long been employed as powerful tools in supporting business, motivating entrepreneurship, and promoting the arts. Additionally, the City of Asheville is focusing on special events and how they can help build an equitable and inclusive community. But government doesn’t just change on its own. What internal and external efforts are needed to maximize returns? Hear from the City’s Outdoor Special Events office about their collaborations with the City’s Office of Equity & Inclusion. Learn about the confines we’re all working within as community members, and why it takes an inside effort within government to push forward. Where are your opportunities to create and participate in special events that help build an equitable and inclusive community?
Speakers: City of Asheville Outdoor Event Manager Jon Fillman and Business Inclusion Manager Rosanna Mulcahy
February is “Love Your Body Month” and Epiphany Wellness Center is proud partner with the Western North Carolina Chapter of iadep (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) and YAM (Yoga and Massage) to educate the community about positive body image, the dangers of disordered eating, and Health at Every Size. Events will be held throughout the month at YAM, located at 410 South King Street in Hendersonville. Below is a list of open houses and special class offerings that will be by donation only. Proceeds from the first three weeks of February classes will go to support iadep and proceeds from the last week will go to support The Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders:
Saturday 2/1 6:00pm (Full Moon) Relax, Reiki, & Restore w/ Bitsy
Wednesday 2/5 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Thursday 2/6 1:30pm Slow Mindful Flow w/ Denise
Saturday 2/8 4:30-6:30pm OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday 2/12 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Tuesday 2/18 3:45 Embody Your Body (Gentle Yoga w/ Therapy Balls) w/ Loretta
Wednesday 2/19 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Wednesday 2/26 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Thursday 2/27 2:00pm Self-Love/Self-Confidence Flow w/ Lindsay
YAM is a yoga and massage studio that strives to create a safe space for all members of the community to explore how body movement, breathing techniques, positive body awareness, and meditation can manage stress and anxiety and lead to a more balanced way of life.
“We are partnering with Epiphany for ‘Love Your Body Month’ because we wholeheartedly believe in this cause,” states Averee Refshauge, owner and founder of YAM. “It also reinforces our goal of providing a place for nurturing, healing and to just ‘be’. We are grateful to be a part of ‘Love Your Body Month’”.
Epiphany Wellness Center offers outpatient services for those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, as well as trauma, anxiety, and depression. In addition, Epiphany offers groups that range from mindfulness and stress reduction to emotional eating, as well as a veterans’ support group.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.
This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.
Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

February is “Love Your Body Month” and Epiphany Wellness Center is proud partner with the Western North Carolina Chapter of iadep (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) and YAM (Yoga and Massage) to educate the community about positive body image, the dangers of disordered eating, and Health at Every Size. Events will be held throughout the month at YAM, located at 410 South King Street in Hendersonville. Below is a list of open houses and special class offerings that will be by donation only. Proceeds from the first three weeks of February classes will go to support iadep and proceeds from the last week will go to support The Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders:
Saturday 2/1 6:00pm (Full Moon) Relax, Reiki, & Restore w/ Bitsy
Wednesday 2/5 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Thursday 2/6 1:30pm Slow Mindful Flow w/ Denise
Saturday 2/8 4:30-6:30pm OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday 2/12 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Tuesday 2/18 3:45 Embody Your Body (Gentle Yoga w/ Therapy Balls) w/ Loretta
Wednesday 2/19 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Wednesday 2/26 3:30pm HOT 26 w/ Marybeth
Thursday 2/27 2:00pm Self-Love/Self-Confidence Flow w/ Lindsay
YAM is a yoga and massage studio that strives to create a safe space for all members of the community to explore how body movement, breathing techniques, positive body awareness, and meditation can manage stress and anxiety and lead to a more balanced way of life.
“We are partnering with Epiphany for ‘Love Your Body Month’ because we wholeheartedly believe in this cause,” states Averee Refshauge, owner and founder of YAM. “It also reinforces our goal of providing a place for nurturing, healing and to just ‘be’. We are grateful to be a part of ‘Love Your Body Month’”.
Epiphany Wellness Center offers outpatient services for those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, as well as trauma, anxiety, and depression. In addition, Epiphany offers groups that range from mindfulness and stress reduction to emotional eating, as well as a veterans’ support group.


