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.

Saturday, November 30, 2019
Holiday Artist Market
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Center for Art and Inspiration

Stop by The Center for Art & Entertainment on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30. From 10-5 the lobby will have 8 carefully selected local artists that will make your gift-giving unique and easy. Pottery, acrylic art, encaustic art, handweavers, jewelry maker, glass ornaments and illustrations & hand made story dolls. Stop by to see what Santa has in store for your whole gift-giving list.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 30 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Nov 30 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

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.

Sunday, December 1, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 1 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.
Good Tidings: A Fair Trade Pop Up Shop
Dec 1 all-day
Trade and Lore Coffee Shop

Purchase fair trade gifts for everyone on your list this season! Handmade, fair trade international gifts including coffee, jewelry, home goods, accessories, clothing and more. With hot drinks, refreshments, beer & wine available from Trade & Lore.

WHEN: Friday November 29th – Sunday December 1st

OPEN: 8am-8pm

WHERE: Trade and Lore Coffee Shop – 37 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801

First hour of parking is free at the Downtown Wall Street Parking Garage

Pisgah Market on Small Business Weekend
Dec 1 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

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!

Kids Day Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland
Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Image may contain: outdoor

‘Tis the season for crafting!

Come celebrate the holidays with us by decorating Ornaments at the historic Grove Arcade. Our annual Winter Wonderland will be going on, meaning Grove Arcade will be covered head-to-toe in holiday lights, decorations, and indoor SNOW! ❄️❄️

Don’t miss it! ?

*** this is a FREE event

Monday, December 2, 2019
Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 2 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Thursday, December 5, 2019
Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 5 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive Benefit Eblen Charitites Saint Nicholas Project
Dec 5 @ 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Ingles
Friday, December 6, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 6 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.
Deck The Trees
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

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?

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 6 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Craft Demos at Dickens in the Village
Dec 6 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Village Craft Guild

Biltmore_Tree_Apelian

We love participating in the arts, culture & holiday spirit that will fill the streets of Biltmore Village. On Friday December 6th, while waiting for the tree lighting, stop by our gallery to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy hot cider, cookies, and meet artist Pei Ling Becker as she makes festive origami ornaments. More refreshments and demonstrations on Saturday, December 7th! Bill & Dawn Apelian will be carving Old World Santas dressed in Victorian clothing.

Holiday Arts Market
Dec 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Shop local this holiday season! Come support the Refinery’s many artists at this year’s Holiday Market. 

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 7 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.
Fringe Activates Asheville in 2020! Fringe Freak Passes
Dec 7 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.

Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive Benefit Eblen Charitites Saint Nicholas Project
Dec 7 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ingles
Adult Studio Drawing Journey Journals Asheville Art Museum
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.

Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.

Papertown Christmas Craft Fair
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Town of Canton Armory

Holiday shoppers will want to get ready for the eighth annual Papertown Christmas Craft Fair. A wide variety of crafters will be selling handmade goodies and all types of Christmas items. Every inch of the Armory will be filled with Christmas items for sale. Artisans and crafters from all over North Carolina will be represented at the Canton craft fair. Shoppers can find homemade cookies, candy, cakes, an array of Christmas decorations for the home, handmade ornaments, stocking stuffers, candles, soap, perfect for everyone’s Christmas list. Shoppers need to arrive early and stay for door prizes. Spend time with family and friends.

Deck The Trees
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

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?

Holiday Makers Sale Folk Art Center
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Holiday Sales

December 7 & 14 | 10:00a-4:00p

The Holiday Makers SALE is a chance to shop fine craft at a discounted rate. Over 30 of our makers gather their leftover stock from 2019, and give a peak at their 2020 designs! Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, hand-woven and dyed wearables, bound journals and etched cards, blown vases and ornaments, turned wooden bowls and more. Shop local!
Southern Highland Craft Guild Holiday Makers SALE
Dec 7 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Holiday Maker Sale

During the first two Saturdays in December, over 30 Guild members* will fill the auditorium of the Folk Art Center for our annual Holiday Makers Sales on December 7th & 14th, from 10am-4pm.

Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, hand-woven and dyed wearables, bound journals and etched cards, blown vases and ornaments, turned wooden bowls and more. Buying from artisans supports the local economy and promotes the Guild’s mission to cultivate the crafts and makers of the Southern Highlands for the purpose of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar!! | Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Asheville Music Hall and The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall bring you the Fifth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar in Downtown, Asheville!!!

TWO FLOORS of 27+ vendors, Full Kitchen/Bar, Bloody Mary Bar & Kids Area!

FREE ADMISSION

Come check out an array of over 27 Local Vendors (full list below!) and support local craft for the holidays! This event will surely be a one stop shop for all of your holiday gifts for family and friends alike!

Live music from 12:30PM-2:30PM and 3:30PM-5:30PM featuring local live music .

ALSO, to top things off, for every item purchased, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a craft basket compiled by the vendor AND tickets to either the late night show at Asheville Music Hall ‘4th Annual Very Jerry Xmas’ or tickets to Jam By Day!

Live Glassblowing Demos
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Dec 7 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Free for Members or included with Museum admission

Join us for the debut of this new family program! This month we’ll visit artworks that feature animals of all kinds. We’ll mimic their sounds and movements and discover what they eat, where they live, and how they behave.

Artful Adventures

Taking place each first Saturday, Artful Adventures are 30–45 minute kid-friendly, themed interactive gallery tours followed by an optional related art-making activity in our Wells Fargo Art PLAYce. Families of all ages and abilities are welcome; no reservations required.

The Big Crafty
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
US Cellular Center

Voted WNC’s favorite art event for the past decade, The Big Crafty returns for a day of hand-to-heart artful craft on Saturday & Sunday December 7 & 8 from 12-6pm at Asheville’s US Cellular Center.

Join us for a tour of the creative landscape, with 150 creative venturers and total art stars, craft-infused good times, hugs and high fives.

 

Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Dec 7 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

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.

Craft Demos at Dickens in the Village
Dec 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Biltmore Village Craft Guild

Biltmore_Tree_Apelian

We love participating in the arts, culture & holiday spirit that will fill the streets of Biltmore Village. On Friday December 6th, while waiting for the tree lighting, stop by our gallery to shop for holiday gifts, enjoy hot cider, cookies, and meet artist Pei Ling Becker as she makes festive origami ornaments. More refreshments and demonstrations on Saturday, December 7th! Bill & Dawn Apelian will be carving Old World Santas dressed in Victorian clothing.

Sunday, December 8, 2019
Barnes & Noble – Biltmore Park Holiday Book Drive
Dec 8 all-day
Barnes & Noble

This Christmas Season marks our fifth year for our wonderful partnership with Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park for their Annual Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive.
The books are given to every child as a bonus gift to the families as they begin shopping in the Ingles Toy Store on December 11th. Last year, more than 3,000 books were collected and given to delighted parents.
“Books open up worlds of learning, adventure, and fun, and kids who have books and read at home do better at school. Reading with children is a great way for families to spend time together, too! Donating books through the Barnes and Noble Saint Nicholas Project Book Drive gives children and families a great opportunity to experience all the marvels to be found between the covers of a book!”
Nancy McLean- Volunteer Coordinator for the Saint Nicholas Project and former retired teacher
When you are out shopping, stop by Barnes and Noble at Biltmore Park and pick up a few books for the Eblen Saint Nicholas Project / Ingles Toy Store and thank everyone there for their kindness and hard work that brings so much joy to so many this Christmas. We would love to be able to give each child a book again this year.