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.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Save Our Stages Donate to The Orange Peel! Keep Live Music ALIVE!
Dec 9 all-day
Online

Thank you for always being such a great friend of The Orange Peel. Your continued support means so much to us!

But, we still need your help!

Thanks to you, the Save Our Stages Act passed in the House of Representatives — but as you may know, it’s not law yet. We’re pushing to get it included in the next COVID-19 Relief package, which is being negotiated now – and we need your voice (again) ASAP.

The situation gets more dire with each passing day. With no emergency relief, hundreds of venues have already shuttered forever, through no fault of their own.

Even if you’ve done it before, can you please take 30 seconds to remind your Congressional representatives that you want them to pass the next COVID-19 Relief Act now and include crucial assistance for independent venues and promoters. Just click here to Save Our Stages.

When legislators hear from you it makes all the difference – and can help us get this across the finish line. On behalf of the nearly 3,000 members of the National Independent Venue Association, thank you for your continued support.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone…

You can also donate directly to The Orange Peel to help us get through this difficult time. Just click here!

Show and Tell Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 9 all-day
Online

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE POP UP SHOP

The Big Crafty Online
Dec 9 all-day
Online

Our weekend.

For the first time in more than a decade, we won’t be sharing hugs with you all, and we’re really missing it.
But we’ll still be admiring the year’s creative harvest and we hope you will, too!
Our artists have responded to the extraordinary circumstances of this year with creative zeal, and we hope you’ll enjoy checking in with them via our list of artists.
We will also be sharing some of our favorite work and gift ideas via Instagram and Facebook this weekend and throughout the holidays.
Treat yourself. Treat your fam. Know that your support is needed and appreciated.
Also…know that next year we will be hugging you extra tight.
Til then, stay well, keep your fires burning, and take extra good care of one another ❉❊❤❊❉

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 9 all-day
Online

This holiday season we are reimaging traditions for a safer,  socially distant world and our Angel Tree is going virtual. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support.

If you are able to, please select a gift from our Amazon wish list. Gifts from the list will be mailed directly to our building and will be sorted and distributed by our YWCA elves. All items on the list have been selected by the families and are items they are wishing for or are in need of this holiday season.

If you would like to go further and adopt a family this holiday season please email our Director of Women’s Empowerment Kelley Hubbell to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 11.


Programs Served by the Angel Tree

MotherLove
YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents and delay another teen pregnancy.

Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.

Early Learning Program
YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but they also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

Empowerment Childcare
The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

AHNA Annual Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Dec 9 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Animal Hospital of North Asheville

“Warm Hearts * Full Bellies” Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Join us this Holiday Season to help pets in need in our community. During “Warm Hearts * Full Bellies,” AHNA will be collecting donations of wet or dry pet food, much-needed supplies, and monetary donations for the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) and Meals on Wheels of Buncombe County.
Starting Friday, November 27th, and lasting through Saturday, January 2nd, we will be offering several different ways to donate to help these amazing organizations. Due to how the threat of COVID-19 has affected our community, we have made some changes to our annual holiday food drive. We have kept safety in mind.
Donations Accepted:
We will be collecting wet or dry cat or dog food, small animal/rabbit food, cockatiel/parakeet bird food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies (toys, blankets, and more), along with monetary donations at AHNA.
DROP OFF:
We will have a donation bin on our patio at AHNA for donated items. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours (M-F 7:30am-6:00pm, and Sat 8am-5pm).
ONLINE:
Starting in December, we will be offering online donation collections through Amazon wishlist and direct donations to the organizations. Supplies can be ordered online and delivered to AHNA. We will distribute the donations after the first of the year to the Asheville Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.
Direct Donations:
Asheville Humane Society: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/donation-drive
To show our appreciation, Animal Hospital of North Asheville has partnered with Science Diet Pet Food to donate an extra pound of food for every pound (up to 2,000 pounds) of pet food donated during our Holiday Pet Food Drive.
Please, if you want to donate by check, it must be written to the organization of your choice (not to Animal Hospital of North Asheville).
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun weekly events, information about these wonderful organizations, and photos of animals your donations will be helping.
Claxton Giving Tree Online!
Dec 9 @ 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Online + In Person Claxton Elementary
Asheville Community Theatre is Seeking Santas!

We team up with Claxton Elementary each year to find folks who’d love to provide gifts for students who would otherwise go without. If you’re looking for a way to give back this season, these children need you!

Once you sign up, we will match you with a child and email you a printable ornament with their sizes and wish list!

You can drop off gifts from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (M-F) at Claxton Elementary School.
More specific details will be included in an email after you sign up.

Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Dec 9 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Grove Arcade is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Winter Wonderland holiday celebration.

The Arcade has transformed into a wreath-bedecked showcase for Asheville’s finest local craftspeople and retailers. Smells of pine and holly will greet visitors as they tour—at a proper social distance!—Asheville’s stunning art deco gem to discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted local gifts, enjoy holiday-themed beverages and dining specials, and winter-y feels within the warm Grove Arcade halls. Specially curated Christmas standards and the most extravagant holiday decorations in town will transport visitors to a truly unforgettable winter paradise.

We will be hosting a local MANNA Food Bank Drive! Drop-off barrels will be placed around several areas of the Arcade to be collected and distributed by MANNA to help during these uncertain times.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, Grove Arcade will be taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions during Winter Wonderland. All visitors and employees will be required to follow the CDC’s health recommendations, including social distancing and mask wearing.

Enjoy a safe and jolly visit to Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland! And from all of us at Grove Arcade, Happy Holidays!

Donate at The Blood Connection
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Blood Connection

We’re proud to call Western North Carolina home. Our dedicated staff work and live in the area, just like you. Whether you’re here for the breath-taking mountain views or the cooler weather, we’re glad you’re here to help us save the lives of your neighbors.

Our centers are the perfect places to give back and kick back. Open every day, yes weekends too, makes it easy to fit donating into your schedule.

You could probably use a little peace, and every Blood Connection center offers that. Clean, spacious, and comfortable, a center getaway may be exactly what you need…it’s exactly what 3 blood recipients need too.

Every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. You’re 1 person who can make a difference!

Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Yule logs: an annual Hop tradition
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Hop Ice Creamery

a close up of a piece of chocolate cake on a table: Ice cream Yule logs from The Hop Ice Cream Cafe.Vegan Ice Cream Yule Logs

Pickup is Tuesday 2-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday 12-6 p.m.

Jus’ Running Holiday Gift Guide + Sale
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Everyone needs a little help this year — Gift Guide to let us help you!
WCCA’s new Bargain Hunt Thrift Store
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bargain Hunt Thrift Store

When WCCA’s Bargain Hunt Thrift Shop opens for business on Tuesday,
December 1st, it will also mark the start of a new holiday tradition – Countdown to Christmas. In
addition to providing a source for inexpensive clothing and household goods, Bargain Hunt will
help fund WCCA’s programs including: Children’s Services, Housing, Transportation, and Older
Adult Services throughout four Western NC Counties.
Standing out in Hendersonville’s active resale marketplace requires thinking outside the box. Or,
in this case, thinking outside 24 boxes. Store manager Belinda Sawyer exclaimed, “That little
surprise each morning just adds to the fun and anticipation of the holidays. So the new tradition
at Bargain Hunt is to celebrate the season with a Countdown Calendar of Discounts.” Each day
in December, Bargain Hunt will reveal a new discount for customers to enjoy.

10AM to 2PM on Saturday

Holiday Pet Supply Drive
Dec 9 @ 11:47 am – 12:47 pm
Wagbar

Drop off the items below at Wagbar in support of the Asheville Humane Society.

• Blankets
• Bath Towels
• Training pads/crate mats
• Dog or cat treats
• Cat toys that dangle
• Inexpensive loop leashes
• Clay kitty litter (non-clumping)
• Liquid laundry soap
• Dog food dry or canned
• Canned cat food (no fish flavors)
• Peanut butter
• “Easy cheese” canned cheese
• Science Diet cat, dog, kitten + puppy food
• Nylabone dog chews

Weaverville Tailgate Market + Winter Market
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Sand Hill Artists Collective Virtual Holiday Gallery Tours!
Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online with The Sand Hill Artists Collective

Ten Asheville area art galleries. A new gallery experience online daily from 5-6 pm each weekday beginning December 2nd through December 15th.

Thursday, December 10, 2020
Charity Navigator
Dec 10 all-day
Online

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The 4-star rating is the highest level awarded by Charity Navigator.

Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to creating lifelong homes for every pet. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center and works to ensure the highest quality adoption counseling experience for potential adopters. At our Adoption Center, we assess behavior and treat conditions as necessary with all animals under our care. Prior to adoption, each animal is provided with all the appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, dewormed, and are spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan.

BRHS also provides owner support for BRHS adopters and community pet owners, including low-cost vaccine clinics, pet training classes, behavior consultations and adoption follow-ups. BRHS takes an active role in community outreach through providing animal and youth education programs and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, a 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities.

If you believe in our cause, consider making a donation or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

Flat Rock Playhouse: Online Gift Shop Now Open
Dec 10 all-day
Online

SHOP THE ROCK!

Our online gift shop is now open, and just in time for your holiday shopping. T-shirts are available in a variety of colors with Adult and Youth sizing, and we have additional apparel items like sweatshirts, hats, polos, and totes. We have unique gift options like our 50th-anniversary book with a detailed history of Flat Rock Playhouse and prints designed by some of your favorite Vagabonds.

Image

Homemade Holiday A Gift Guild from Asheville Makers
Dec 10 all-day
Online

Handmade Holidays

Spread some mountain magic and holiday cheer with these unique gifts from Asheville’s artisans and makers. Shop from over 50 local vendors or share your love of Asheville by giving the gift of travel this holiday season.

Keep the Cheer Contest Shop and Dine
Dec 10 all-day
Hendersonville

 COC Shop and Dine

Enter the KEEP THE CHEER HERE Contest hosted with WTZQ!

WTZQ ShopDine Slider

 

What is Shop & Dine HC?

Shop & Dine HC is a collaborative movement designed to remind the public of the benefits and importance of spending their dollars with our local businesses. Local businesses lay the framework for a strong community and we want Henderson County to shop local, spend local, save local.

Why does shopping locally matter?

When you shop locally:

  • $0.02 of every $1 stays in the community through the Sales Tax. These dollars support county and municipal budgets for schools, law enforcement, infrastructure, and more.
  • you help create and retain jobs for existing businesses as they succeed and grow, and create a successful business community that attracts other businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • those same businesses you are supporting will give back to our community through donations to non-profits, civic clubs, youth programs, and more.

Simply put – our local businesses make our community better.

Want to get involved?

Be part of the conversation!

Join the Shop & Dine Facebook Group

join button3

Businesses – Take the #SafeHendo Pledge! 

We celebrate businesses that are committed to the safety of our community in these extraordinary times. Check out the #SafeHendo pledge and let your customers know their safety is your focus.

pledge button2

Save Our Stages Donate to The Orange Peel! Keep Live Music ALIVE!
Dec 10 all-day
Online

Thank you for always being such a great friend of The Orange Peel. Your continued support means so much to us!

But, we still need your help!

Thanks to you, the Save Our Stages Act passed in the House of Representatives — but as you may know, it’s not law yet. We’re pushing to get it included in the next COVID-19 Relief package, which is being negotiated now – and we need your voice (again) ASAP.

The situation gets more dire with each passing day. With no emergency relief, hundreds of venues have already shuttered forever, through no fault of their own.

Even if you’ve done it before, can you please take 30 seconds to remind your Congressional representatives that you want them to pass the next COVID-19 Relief Act now and include crucial assistance for independent venues and promoters. Just click here to Save Our Stages.

When legislators hear from you it makes all the difference – and can help us get this across the finish line. On behalf of the nearly 3,000 members of the National Independent Venue Association, thank you for your continued support.

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone…

You can also donate directly to The Orange Peel to help us get through this difficult time. Just click here!

Show and Tell Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 10 all-day
Online

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE POP UP SHOP

The Big Crafty Online
Dec 10 all-day
Online

Our weekend.

For the first time in more than a decade, we won’t be sharing hugs with you all, and we’re really missing it.
But we’ll still be admiring the year’s creative harvest and we hope you will, too!
Our artists have responded to the extraordinary circumstances of this year with creative zeal, and we hope you’ll enjoy checking in with them via our list of artists.
We will also be sharing some of our favorite work and gift ideas via Instagram and Facebook this weekend and throughout the holidays.
Treat yourself. Treat your fam. Know that your support is needed and appreciated.
Also…know that next year we will be hugging you extra tight.
Til then, stay well, keep your fires burning, and take extra good care of one another ❉❊❤❊❉

Virtual Angel Giving Tree
Dec 10 all-day
Online

This holiday season we are reimaging traditions for a safer,  socially distant world and our Angel Tree is going virtual. This gift tree provides our broader YWCA community a path to join us as we aim to support our program participants and their families with a holiday season full of love and support.

If you are able to, please select a gift from our Amazon wish list. Gifts from the list will be mailed directly to our building and will be sorted and distributed by our YWCA elves. All items on the list have been selected by the families and are items they are wishing for or are in need of this holiday season.

If you would like to go further and adopt a family this holiday season please email our Director of Women’s Empowerment Kelley Hubbell to get the details of how you can fulfill a family’s holiday wish.

All gifts must be ordered by December 11.


Programs Served by the Angel Tree

MotherLove
YWCA’s MotherLove program supports pregnant and parenting teens throughout Buncombe County. Our goals are to help young parents to stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents and delay another teen pregnancy.

Getting Ahead In a Just Getting By World
YWCA’s Getting Ahead program aims to provide financial empowerment for low-income women of all ages and backgrounds to make choices that positively impact themselves, their families and their community.

Early Learning Program
YWCA’s Early Learning Program provides 5-star childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care for little ones, but they also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritize families using childcare vouchers or caring for children in the foster care system.

Empowerment Childcare
The YWCA provides up to 12 hours of free childcare per week for parents who are in transition, continuing their education, accessing social services, or looking for employment. ECC works closely with the Family Justice Center, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, A-B Tech, Green Opportunities, and Mary Benson House.

AHNA Annual Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Dec 10 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Animal Hospital of North Asheville

“Warm Hearts * Full Bellies” Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Join us this Holiday Season to help pets in need in our community. During “Warm Hearts * Full Bellies,” AHNA will be collecting donations of wet or dry pet food, much-needed supplies, and monetary donations for the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) and Meals on Wheels of Buncombe County.
Starting Friday, November 27th, and lasting through Saturday, January 2nd, we will be offering several different ways to donate to help these amazing organizations. Due to how the threat of COVID-19 has affected our community, we have made some changes to our annual holiday food drive. We have kept safety in mind.
Donations Accepted:
We will be collecting wet or dry cat or dog food, small animal/rabbit food, cockatiel/parakeet bird food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies (toys, blankets, and more), along with monetary donations at AHNA.
DROP OFF:
We will have a donation bin on our patio at AHNA for donated items. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours (M-F 7:30am-6:00pm, and Sat 8am-5pm).
ONLINE:
Starting in December, we will be offering online donation collections through Amazon wishlist and direct donations to the organizations. Supplies can be ordered online and delivered to AHNA. We will distribute the donations after the first of the year to the Asheville Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.
Direct Donations:
Asheville Humane Society: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/donation-drive
To show our appreciation, Animal Hospital of North Asheville has partnered with Science Diet Pet Food to donate an extra pound of food for every pound (up to 2,000 pounds) of pet food donated during our Holiday Pet Food Drive.
Please, if you want to donate by check, it must be written to the organization of your choice (not to Animal Hospital of North Asheville).
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun weekly events, information about these wonderful organizations, and photos of animals your donations will be helping.
Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Dec 10 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Grove Arcade is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Winter Wonderland holiday celebration.

The Arcade has transformed into a wreath-bedecked showcase for Asheville’s finest local craftspeople and retailers. Smells of pine and holly will greet visitors as they tour—at a proper social distance!—Asheville’s stunning art deco gem to discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted local gifts, enjoy holiday-themed beverages and dining specials, and winter-y feels within the warm Grove Arcade halls. Specially curated Christmas standards and the most extravagant holiday decorations in town will transport visitors to a truly unforgettable winter paradise.

We will be hosting a local MANNA Food Bank Drive! Drop-off barrels will be placed around several areas of the Arcade to be collected and distributed by MANNA to help during these uncertain times.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, Grove Arcade will be taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions during Winter Wonderland. All visitors and employees will be required to follow the CDC’s health recommendations, including social distancing and mask wearing.

Enjoy a safe and jolly visit to Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland! And from all of us at Grove Arcade, Happy Holidays!

Donate at The Blood Connection
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Blood Connection

We’re proud to call Western North Carolina home. Our dedicated staff work and live in the area, just like you. Whether you’re here for the breath-taking mountain views or the cooler weather, we’re glad you’re here to help us save the lives of your neighbors.

Our centers are the perfect places to give back and kick back. Open every day, yes weekends too, makes it easy to fit donating into your schedule.

You could probably use a little peace, and every Blood Connection center offers that. Clean, spacious, and comfortable, a center getaway may be exactly what you need…it’s exactly what 3 blood recipients need too.

Every donation has the power to save up to 3 lives. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. You’re 1 person who can make a difference!

Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Yule logs: an annual Hop tradition
Dec 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Hop Ice Creamery

a close up of a piece of chocolate cake on a table: Ice cream Yule logs from The Hop Ice Cream Cafe.Vegan Ice Cream Yule Logs

Pickup is Tuesday 2-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday 12-6 p.m.

100 Coats + Cans Holiday Drive
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Engel & Völkers Asheville

We’re kicking off our annual holiday drive!
This year, we are asking for coats and other cold weather gear for kids that will be donated to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buncombe County and canned goods and other non-perishables for MANNA FoodBank. Last year our community came together and made our annual coat drive a huge success. We were able to surpass our goal of donating 100 coats. This year we hope to donate 100 coats and 100 canned goods.
We invite you to join us in supporting these incredible organizations by donating either cold weather gear like a coat, canned goods, or both. Any donation is greatly appreciated. While Giving Tuesday is a one day event, we’ll be holding our holiday drive until December 19th.
TO DONATE: We have designated donation hours at our office in downtown Asheville at 26 College Street. Drop off donations Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm until December 19th. Or, please contact us and we would be happy to arrange a pick-up time!
Please help us keep the youth of Buncombe County warm and families fed this winter season. With the impact of COVID-19, it has never been more important to take care of our community.
Jus’ Running Holiday Gift Guide + Sale
Dec 10 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Everyone needs a little help this year — Gift Guide to let us help you!