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.
Celebrate the holidays with the Panthers as they host the Atlanta Falcons in Bank of America Stadium, December 23, 2018. Kickoff is set at 1:00PM.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1941826346147854/
After seeing her fiancé on TV kissing another woman at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world, where “romance” ranges from weird and creepy to absurd and comical. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one woman show offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1658799787558592/?event_time_id=1658799817558589
Swing by Open Mat at Open Source Jiu-Jitsu every Sunday from 2-4pm. We welcome all affiliations and levels – no membership necessary! Drill with a partner. Fight your friends. Just don’t be a d*ck!
Mat fee: pay-what-you-want
https://www.facebook.com/events/491057264717118/
Come get your Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair Sparkles for the holidays!
Sing up below!
Come out to Chimney Rock to enjoy the Fabulous Food, Wonderful Wines and Rockin’ talent of Daniel Sage!
https://www.facebook.com/events/563829534058941/
Bring the kids out for storytelling with Mary Davis and grab yourself a little relaxation time.
Mary Morris Davis is a local storyteller and long time Henderson County Public School Teacher. She delights in telling local legends, funky fables, and spooky stuff. Mary is excited to return to The Blue Ghost to share tales of famous train wrecks of WNC, stories of snow and magic, and the Legend of the Blue Ghost. Her stories are appropriate for all ages, but younger children may find them a bit frightening. You can reach Mary at [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/266568764038488/
Come spend the holidays with your favorite SART family; THE SANDERS FAMILY! Jennifer O’Rear, Joshua Robinette Whitt, Natalie Brouwer Wilson, Lyn Nihart, Pem Price Tomaselli Brad Curtioff are back in this hysterical show. Timothy Wilds and Allen Law law are joining the Sanders Family this year and you don’t want to miss all the new funny moments!
Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to Connie Ray and Alan Bailey’s wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It’s December 24, 1941, and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders, of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and twenty-five Southern Gospel Christmas favorites.
https://www.facebook.com/events/329224851172923/
Music on the patio.
https://www.facebook.com/events/500341273766712/
Come join us for a book signing to celebrate shop manager Lisa Wagoner’s latest published essay in the book “The Witch’s Altar”. Books will be available for purchase (a great idea for gift giving!) A reading of her essay and a brief discussion of ancestor altars will be followed by the signing. Cookies and tea will also be served.
https://www.facebook.com/events/473639659825290/
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Come hang out for an evening of rock, soul, blues, and funk + some Christmas favorites from the members of Kind, Clean Gentlemen-Andrew Scotchie and Keith Harry- joined by Dave Desmelik and John Trufant – Music. Benefiting The Bread of Life and Grateful Bread. Don’t forget to dig through your closet and wear your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2173724049316237/
Come celebrate the season at our inaugural high tunnel event! We miss our farm family. We’ll have the new heaters and I’m decorating with the hemlocks downed during the snowstorm and some holly I sourced up in the woods. So much hemlock:).
Matt came up with a festive menu we can’t wait to share, and we have so much to be grateful for this season. We want to talk about the plans for the new year and get your ideas for going forward.
Seating limited to 24, so reserve soon. Message us on messenger or email [email protected]. Or you can text Garth at 828-356-4783. Can’t wait to see you all!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1156677954496067/
Hot cocoa bar, Christmas music, and a heart-warming message. Bring the whole family to Ridgeline for Christmas in Asheville and have a holiday experience you’ll never forget. Meet Buddy the Elf and Santa! 35 Airport Rd. Arden, NC 28704. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Nearly one million twinkling lights
- Countless decorative images
- Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
- Animated Story Tree
- Animal Characters
- Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
- Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
- Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase
While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.
As our community grows, we feel it’s important to stay connected as a community & family! Come spread some Holiday love – we’ll take care of the fresh squeezed holiday themed juices & cocktails- you just bring some good vibes.
https://www.facebook.com/events/275663466638913/
Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)
*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.
Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627424347717
$12 Advance / $15 Day of Show
Come get your Christmas music fix with Queen Bee and the Honeylovers in the lounge followed by Russ Wilson’s Swingin Christmas on the main stage! A sweet evening of classic holiday standards with a few original Asheville-inspired tunes thrown in.
Seated Lounge Show:: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner (Table) Reservations
https://www.facebook.com/events/526387881222975/
Holiday weirdness at its finest
Come have a good time with us :)
https://jahhumbug.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/568979590232337/
Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. The driving-only tour includes thousands of dazzling lights and displays placed along a magical journey on the road circling Lake Julian Park.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 2-23. Want to experience the show by foot? Lights by the Lake Stroll Night is on Saturday, December 1. Please check our Facebook event page for information on any closings due to winter weather.
Tickets are $10 at the gate ($8 in advance) for a standard passenger car or van. A portion of the proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics.
https://www.facebook.com/events/260293307959881/
Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. The driving-only tour includes thousands of dazzling lights and displays placed along a magical journey on the road circling Lake Julian Park.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 2-23. Want to experience the show by foot? Lights by the Lake Stroll Night is on Saturday, December 1. Please check our Facebook event page for information on any closings due to winter weather.
Tickets are $10 at the gate ($8 in advance) for a standard passenger car or van. A portion of the proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics.
https://www.facebook.com/events/260293307959881/?event_time_id=260293374626541
Experience Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Roast s’mores by the fire, listen to your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, cider or beer. Proceeds from the event will support the Arboretum’s educational programs, exhibit and facilities year-round.
Tickets range from $8-18 and must be purchased in advance online at www.ncwinterlights.com.
https://www.facebook.com/events/183329605927836/?event_time_id=183329659261164
Tour Gatlinburg’s most dazzling light displays by hopping aboard the Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights! This popular winter tradition is the perfect way to see our mountain town in all its Winter Magic splendor. Get your tickets today!
https://www.facebook.com/events/726348577700947/?event_time_id=726348631034275
The Annual Centerpiece Jazz Christmas Shows at the Grind Cafe will be on Dec. 21st & 23rd. The Friday Dec. 21 show will feature: Richard Shulman on piano and Adam Booker on bass – along with regulars Dave Reep on trumpet and Joseph Hasty on guitar/vocals with special guest Geoff Clapp on drums.
The Sunday Dec. 23rd show will feature the Page Brothers – Andy and Zack Page on guitar and bass. They will join Clapp, Hasty and Reep to round out the Quintet.
Holiday Jazz at it’s finest in the most intimate and festive atmosphere in Western North Carolina. Dinner specials along with fine wines and bottled craft beers will help ring in the Holidays!
$14 cover charge and reservations are a must!
These shows sell out in a hurry folks…
https://www.facebook.com/events/581339808972501/
$15 Advance / $15 Day of Show
An evening of swinging Christmas classics from Russ Wilson And His Famous Orchestra and Guest Stars.
Remember the days when TV was actually GOOD? And remember all those great Christmas music spectaculars hosted by Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and so many others?
RUSS WILSON AND HIS FAMOUS ORCHESTRA are presenting that same great musical entertainment at the Isis Restaurant and Music Hall on December 23RD in their 6th Annual Holiday Extravaganza.
“HAVE YOURSELF A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS!”
Along with Russ and His All Star Orchestra will be an array of special guests: WENDY JONES, JESSE EARL JUNIOR, HANK BONES, RICHARD SHULMAN bringing a healthy dose of holiday cheer to you. AND SANTA CLAUS WILL BE THERE!
Fun for the entire family. This is THE musical event of the season. Make your reservations now. This is one show you DO NOT want to miss!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Main Stage Seated :: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner (Table) Reservations
https://www.facebook.com/events/496126840899619/
Montford Park Players Presents ALL-TEEN version of A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
Produced by Montford Park Players at Land of the Sky UCC
Show Dates:
December 14-23
Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30pm; Sundays @ 7:30pm
Montford Park Players, an Asheville theatrical tradition, is overjoyed to present the local holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol! All performances will be held at Land of the Sky UCC, 15 Overbrook Place, off Tunnel Road in Asheville, from December 14th through the 23rd on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30pm. This performance like ALL of Montford Park Players’ shows will be absolutely FREE to attend. (No performance on Saturday, Dec. 15, due to the church’s schedule).
This year, the Montford Park Players’ Education Division takes over, with all of the acting, designing and even the technical elements being run by the Montford Moppets, MPP’s squad of talented tweens and teens. Under the guidance of longtime Moppets instructors, Ashleigh Goff and Skyler Goff, this year’s version promises a youthful vibrancy for this family-friendly classic.
Almost everyone knows this story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his visit from four spirits, some ghastly, some benevolent, on Christmas Eve. Through a magical journey through Scrooge’s past, present and future Christmases, they show him the true meaning of the holiday season, and allow him the opportunity to connect with his own generosity and goodness. In this version, adapted by co-director Skyler Goff, the Cratchit spend their own Christmas Eve hearing the story of how Uncle Scrooge became the kind benefactor he is today.
Montford Park Players, has been presenting Shakespeare and other classical works to the Asheville community since 1973, and has since grown to be one of Western North Carolina’s most beloved and well-known cultural attractions.
For more information or to reserve seats, go to montfordparkplayers.org, or call at (828) 254-5146.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2267828916772371/
Open Jam With Members of Special Affair & Rachel Waterhouse of Sister Ivy at One World Brewing Downtown.
Bring your instruments and lets play some tunes!
Starts at 8 PM.
10 Patton Ave, Asheville NC
https://www.facebook.com/events/781902705497766/
After 6 shows in 5 different locations all in one week, it’s time to party! Join the cast and crew of Black Nativity: Liberation Holiday for a celebration at the end of the last performance. With music by Twan’DjTwan Bryant!
https://www.facebook.com/events/277829013082403/
All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!
Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! 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 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.
Reclaimed Creations is a unique sculpture exhibit created by renowned artist Sayaka Ganz. Utilizing reclaimed plastic objects, such as discarded utensils, Ganz creates amazing sculptures that visually appear unified at a distance, but are in fact separated when examined up close. Described as using a “3D impressionistic” style, Ganz’s exhibit includes installations of animals in motion, which are in rich in color and energy, to create an illusion of form.
About the Artist
Born in Yokohama, Japan, Sayaka Ganz grew up living in Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. A lecturer and teacher, Ganz’s work has been displayed at various institutions around the globe, including the Hermann Geiger Foundation in Cecina, Italy, the Isle Gallery in Isle of Man, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside. When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist.”