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.

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.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 10 @ 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 11, 2019
Giving Tree Book Wrapping at the Fairview Library
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
Fairview Library


If you are interested in volunteering with the Friends of the Library to gift wrap the books from our Holiday Giving Tree, join us on Wednesday, December 11th at 2pm. Hot cocoa and holiday cheer provided. 

Book Wrapping Party United Way Book Drive
Dec 11 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Highland Brewing
And don’t forget, to end the drive on a high note, we’ll once again host a Book Wrapping Party for supporters wishing to spread some holiday cheer. We’ll gather at Highland Brewing on December 11th, from 5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M. to organize and wrap all the books collected during the drive.
Studio Zahiya Dance Spectacular
Dec 11 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

VIP Front Row Seating available!

Join Studio Zahiya as we celebrate the end of the year with a Dance Spectacular! Performances include Studio Zahiya instructors, student dance troupes, our kids and teen groups, and special guests!VIP Front Row Seating available!

Friday, December 13, 2019
The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefit Planned Parenthood Votes!
Dec 13 @ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Odditorium

Dance and Vote for reproductive autonomy and rights!

Come out Friday, December 13 for the first-ever Ugly Holiday Sweater Disco Party benefiting Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic and our critical advocacy and political work.

Let’s throwback to the 1970s when abortion was made legal in the landmark supreme decision, Roe v. Wade, the outfits were incredible, and the dance moves were totally groovy!

Rock your ugliest sweater or your coolest disco outfit and come shake it out for PPVSAT!

Friday, December 13
8 pm – 12 am
The Odditorium
1045 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806
$10 suggested donation at the door
Click here for more info!

Reach out with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Dancing Strong,
Nikki Harris and Katlynn Millette

Saturday, December 14, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 14 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.

Richmond Hill Habitat Restoration Workday
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Richmond Hill Park

Join us and help restore native plant communities by controlling non-native invasive plants at Richmond Hill Park. This is the City of Asheville’s only forested park and is home to many special native plant and animal species! Volunteers help to stop the spread of harmful non-native invasive species and return native species to the unique park.

Close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants are required. We will provide work gloves and eye protection, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Please also bring any water or snacks you may need and dress warmly!

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 14 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Nutcracker Peace Center.jpg

Carolina Ballet Theatre proudly presents The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville– a European inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Continuing our reinvented holiday classic, the production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.

The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreographed by Herman Justo, the refreshed ballet is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov ballet.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

Sunday, December 15, 2019
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 15 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.

Winter Dance Performance
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center-Gunter Theatre

20-gvs-2-660.jpg

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents a performance of classical ballet, modern, and contemporary dance showcasing the grace and elegance as well as the passion and versatility of the Governor’s School dancers.

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec 15 @ 2:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2019

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Cirque du Soleil: AXEL

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 17 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

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.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 17 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

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!

Open Mic at Vintage Kava every Tuesday
Dec 17 @ 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 18, 2019
Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 18 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

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!

Thursday, December 19, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 19 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

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.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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.

Spamilton: An American Parody
Dec 19 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

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!

Friday, December 20, 2019
Cirque du Soleil AXEL 30% Holiday Sale
Dec 20 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

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.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
Dec 20 @ 4:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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.