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.
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The Buncombe County Public Library system is supporting Asheville writers during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) by offering quiet writing spaces, raffle prizes, and a NaNoWriMo NoMo’ party in early December.
NaNoWriMo is a writing challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel during the thirty days of November. It began in 1999 and is supported by an international nonprofit organization of the same name.
The Black Mountain Library, Leicester Library, Pack Library, North Asheville Library, South Buncombe Library, and West Asheville Library will all be offering quiet spaces for writers to work on their 50,000 word count goal throughout the month. Some branches will offer tea, coffee and snacks as well. The Pack Library Youth Services department will host a Teen Writer’s Café every Friday afternoon. “We wanted to have a space at a library in the county every day where a writer could come plug in their laptop or pull out their notebook and chip away at their word count with no interruptions,” Anna Booraem, Branch Manager of the South Buncombe Library, says.
Each time a writer comes to one of the library writing spaces to work on their novel in November, they will be entered into a raffle for prizes to be given away at the NanoWrimo NoMo’ party. The raffle prizes will include treats from local businesses, including Dynamite Coffee, as well as some official NaNoWriMo swag.
The NaNoWriMo NoMo’ party will be held at the Lord Auditorium in the Pack Library on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2-3:30 pm. The party is for any writer who participated in NaNoWriMo. There will be food, activities and opportunities to meet other writers, as well as a “micro mic” that will give each writer a chance to read one paragraph from their novel to the group.
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.
The race starts on Woodfin Street in front of the downtown YMCA and ends at Pack Square Park..
Packet Pickup on Nov. 27 from 4-7pm at Brookstone Church, North Asheville campus and Race Day at Pack Square Park 7-8:30am
Race entries will also be available on November 27 from 4-7pm at packet pickup. Then again on race day from November 28 from 7-8:45am at Pack Square Park
Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country getting together to share miles and smiles prior to their meal later in the day. We hope you will make this race part of your annual tradition. Join us on Thanksgiving morning for the SECOND year of the Biltmore Park Turkey Trot!
This is Biltmore Park’s only Thanksgiving Day certified, USATF 5k. Our route will begin and end in Biltmore Park in South Asheville and run through Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood. The race will begin promptly at 9:00 am.
All participants registered as of November 1st are guaranteed to receive a finisher medal upon completion, a complimentary long-sleeve t-shirt, and swag from our partners!
A big thank you to the ongoing support from our community, Biltmore Park Town Square, and our many other sponsors. Our highest priority is our commitment to hosting a first-class event all around.
** Strollers are permitted. ** Dogs are not allowed on the course **
All pre-registered participants will receive a 50/50 poly-blend long sleeve t-shirt if registered before November 1st. After this date, shirts will be available online in limited quantities for $10.
– Pre-event packet pickup – Wednesday, November 27th – TBD
– Race Day Packet Pick- Up and on-site Registration is Thursday, November 28th from 7:30am- 8:45am
– Race starts promptly at 9am in Biltmore Park Town Square
– Awards Ceremony at approximately 10:15 am
Prizes and Awards:
All finishers pre-registered by November 1st, are guaranteed a 2019 Biltmore Park Turkey Trot 5k Finisher Medal.
Overall – Male/Female: Top 3
Overall Winners (1st place male/female) will receive a turkey from Luella’s BBQ!
Master’s – Male/Female: Top 3
Age Group:
Male/Female, Top 3 in each category
9 and Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-59, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 and up
The City of Hendersonville will be hosting their annual Turkey Trot 5k Thanksgiving morning. The Trot is a run/walk event open to all ages, all fitness levels and all family members! The 5k starts in front of City Hall on Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 and travels through downtown ending back at City Hall. The entry fee is $12 which includes a t-shirt. This is a non-sanctioned event – we’re here for fun and exercise. Event is rain or shine, sleet or snow!
The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot returns on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th at 9am. Come join us for this fun and festive 5K that winds through beautiful Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville.Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot course is a USATF certified 5k. The route will begin and end in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville and run through the surrounding neighborhood.
The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot returns on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th at 9am. Come join us for this fun and festive 5K that winds through beautiful Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville.Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.The Biltmore Park Turkey Trot course is a USATF certified 5k. The route will begin and end in Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville and run through the surrounding neighborhood.
We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages! Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
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.
Boston Native Mary Kennedy can be seen as recurring character “New Fiona” on Shameless, Season 7. She wrote and stars in her one woman show, Mid Life Mood Swing, about being a roadie for her mom’s wedding band in the 80’s. It premiered in Los Angeles and now is touring.
In Los Angeles, she was in the theatre production of AfterGlow the Musical Experience with the #originalgorgeousladiesofwrestling (GLOW) as the legend manager, Jackie Stallone. Tiffany Johnson’s Girl Callin with production company REFINERY 29 has cast Kennedy in their new short, as the Waitress. The waitress plays a pivotal role in the dark comedic ending plot.
She is in the feature film, Shattered starring, Ray Wise, Arianne Zucker and Molly Burnett. Guest star on People Magazine Investigates-ID Discovery. She is a supporting character in the short, The Layover. She co-stars in the feature film Creative Differences. You can also see her comedic acting regularly in various sketches for CONAN, TBS.
Was a featured mom commentator on The Mom Rules Webseries, TLC Pilot and did the pilot, for Nickelodeon’s new network, NickMOM called Road Mamas which she also Co-Created. She was a featured dancer in Allee Willis’ BADEYA BABY! with choreographer, Keith Young (RENT). She was also a recurring on NBC’s ER as “Officer Trudy Lange” for Season 12. Recently she appeared as Queen Elizabeth, on VanityFair.com which accompanied their cover, The Queen and Her Corgis.
You have seen her in national commercials for, FLIR, HULU Plus, FORD, Vonage, Cingular Wireless, Sony Ericcson, Captain Morgan and E-Trade. Promos, for George Lucas’ Star Wars and CBS Sports, with sports personality, Jim Rome.
A Professional Comedian, she Headlines all over the country and appears regularly at The Laugh Factory, The Ice House and Flappers Comedy Clubs in Los Angeles.
Featuring Craig Holcombe
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of; visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mary-kennedy-tickets-79789838555.
BabyMartian-digging-thru-a-radioactive-toy-box-that’s-on-fire
We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages! Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
Basketball Season is Back!
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament returns to Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the second year in a row on March 4-8! Get uninterrupted action to all 13 games of the tournament and save by purchasing your reserved ticket book today! Tickets for the tournament are $120 for a reserved book.
All tickets prices are subject to additional taxes and fees.
The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added. In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day. To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.
For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit
https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public. Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.
Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested: www.adventureavl.com or 877.547.5539
- Thanksgiving in the Treetops Nov 30 at 4:30
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.
We are excited to bring back two very popular Personal Training specials through the end of the year! From now through December 31st, we are pleased to offer new YWCA Fitness and Aquatics Center members 2 free Personal Training Sessions as a sign-up bonus, and all members are entitled to 20% off Personal Training packages! Our team of Certified Personal Trainers offer support, motivation, and accountability to help you reach your personal health and fitness goals. Together with your trainer, you will create and implement an individualized exercise plan for proper form, function, and results. To sign up, inquire at the Guest Services desk or on our website.
Basketball Season is Back!
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament returns to Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the second year in a row on March 4-8! Get uninterrupted action to all 13 games of the tournament and save by purchasing your reserved ticket book today! Tickets for the tournament are $120 for a reserved book.
All tickets prices are subject to additional taxes and fees.
Join us for the 5th annual big 2 day event!
(formerly Asheville Flea For Y’all / Holiday Flea For Y’all)
A must-do for antiquers, vintage collectors, art seekers and sellers. The finest vintage picking around, local handmade art and objects, people watching, collecting, and connecting with over 100 local and regional vendors and artists.
Apply Now!
https://goo.gl/forms/AzV10VIe1806UX4g1
$5 adult admission Kids FREE!
Washington Redskins
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.
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.
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.