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.

Thursday, December 7, 2023
NEW QUEER’S EVE
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Developed by a Collaboration of Queer Writers
Directed by Dwight Chiles

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? Join us for a look at this holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

Friday, December 8, 2023
London Raffle
Dec 8 all-day
online

The London Raffle is limited to just 250 tickets, giving you great odds to win a travel package value up to $9,000, including flights, hotel stays, and $500 to experience the sights and sounds of London. This raffle ends December 31, 2023 or when tickets sell out.

The London Raffle prize includes:

  • Two (2) round-trip from Charlotte – Non-stop on British Airways Economy Plus
  •  Transfers to and from the airport to your hotel
  • Accommodations for Five (5) nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in a Superior
    Double with Breakfast daily
  • Up to $500 to spend on guided tours or additional theatre tickets
  • Personal consultation with Foothills Travel to customize your trip
  • On-site concierge provided through MyBucketListEvents

The winner of the Asheville Community Theatre London Raffle will work with David Lloyd of Foothills Travel to customize their London adventure.

United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Dec 8 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Dec 8 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Volunteer!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but the best way to get involved at ACT is volunteer! No matter what your skill or experience level, there’s a place for everybody at ACT.

We are currently looking for help in the Box Office and Front of House. The hours of operation are Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-4 PM. Let us know if you’d be interested!

Jeeves Takes a Bow
Dec 8 @ 2:00 pm
NC Stage Co.

Written by Margaret Raether

based on the writings of P.G. Wodehouse

 

*Please note, this performance is NOT included in the 2023-24 Season Pass*

tickets are, however, available at a 10% discount with the purchase of a season pass

Join us for an holiday presentation of Jeeves Takes a Bow! The British upper crust meets the New York mob in this witty play. Everyone’s favorite hapless hero, Bertie Wooster, embarks on an American adventure armed only with his handsome fortune, his talent for trouble, and his remarkable manservant, Jeeves. In less than a New York minute, they’re knee-deep in trouble with vengeful gangsters, chorus girls, and a new Broadway musical. 

A DIckens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

From the bounty shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddick, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub, and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. On this fateful Christmas Eve night, various forms of mayhem ensue as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could go possibly wrong does, with hilarious, ridiculous results!

Oliver JR Musical
Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Lionel Bart’s Oliver JR

Prep Program

December 8-9, 2023

Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Experience the enchanting world of ‘Oliver Jr.’ a timeless story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in Victorian London.

 

Join Oliver as he seeks love and belonging amid hardship, with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message. Let ‘Oliver Jr.’ sweep you off your feet with its magic, music, and unforgettable journey.

“Christmas Time’s A Comin’, An Appalachian Christmas Revue”
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Owen Theatre

SART Presents “Christmas Time’s A Comin’, An Appalachian Christmas Revue”
7:30 p.m., Owen Theatre
Join us for a heartwarming Christmas revue like no other! This holiday season, we’re spreading the joy by offering pay-what-you-wish tickets. It’s our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of the season. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get your tickets today at sartplays.com and celebrate the spirit of giving this Christmas!

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

Elf: The Musical
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Get ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

A talkback with the cast & crew of Elf: The Musical will be held following the performances on December 3rd and 10th.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
(www.playscripts.com)

Director: Jonathan Forrester

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG due to mild language and the truth about Santa

Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Part vaudeville and part Complete Works of William Shakespeare…AbridgedEvery Christmas Story Ever Told  is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance in this racy comedy that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year!

New Queer’s Eve
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

A world premiere! Written by Jason Phillips, Abby Auman, Eli Hamilton, and Mickey Poandl and directed by Dwight Chiles.

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? New Queer’s Eve provides a glimpse into the struggle, absurdity, camaraderie, and joy around this holiday from a LGBTQIA+ lens. The show takes place in one location, and spans several decades of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

*Content notification: language; sensitive subject matter; talk of death; brief burlesque scene (no full nudity.)

December 1 – 16, 2023
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 4pm

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Developed by a Collaboration of Queer Writers
Directed by Dwight Chiles

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? Join us for a look at this holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

Saturday, December 9, 2023
London Raffle
Dec 9 all-day
online

The London Raffle is limited to just 250 tickets, giving you great odds to win a travel package value up to $9,000, including flights, hotel stays, and $500 to experience the sights and sounds of London. This raffle ends December 31, 2023 or when tickets sell out.

The London Raffle prize includes:

  • Two (2) round-trip from Charlotte – Non-stop on British Airways Economy Plus
  •  Transfers to and from the airport to your hotel
  • Accommodations for Five (5) nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in a Superior
    Double with Breakfast daily
  • Up to $500 to spend on guided tours or additional theatre tickets
  • Personal consultation with Foothills Travel to customize your trip
  • On-site concierge provided through MyBucketListEvents

The winner of the Asheville Community Theatre London Raffle will work with David Lloyd of Foothills Travel to customize their London adventure.

United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Dec 9 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.

Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Dec 9 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Holiday Book Sale
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
East Asheville Library
  $5 per bag. Must use bags provided by the Friends of the East Asheville Library.
Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.

Also accepting Friends memberships and renewals for 2024. Free bag of books for each membership purchased during the sale! Membership fee $15.00

“Christmas Time’s A Comin’, An Appalachian Christmas Revue”
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm
 Owen Theatre

SART Presents “Christmas Time’s A Comin’, An Appalachian Christmas Revue”

Join us for a heartwarming Christmas revue like no other! This holiday season, we’re spreading the joy by offering pay-what-you-wish tickets. It’s our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of the season. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get your tickets today at sartplays.com and celebrate the spirit of giving this Christmas!

A DIckens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

From the bounty shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddick, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub, and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. On this fateful Christmas Eve night, various forms of mayhem ensue as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could go possibly wrong does, with hilarious, ridiculous results!

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

Elf: The Musical
Dec 9 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Get ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

A talkback with the cast & crew of Elf: The Musical will be held following the performances on December 3rd and 10th.

Oliver JR Musical
Dec 9 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Lionel Bart’s Oliver JR

Prep Program

December 8-9, 2023

Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Experience the enchanting world of ‘Oliver Jr.’ a timeless story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in Victorian London.

 

Join Oliver as he seeks love and belonging amid hardship, with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message. Let ‘Oliver Jr.’ sweep you off your feet with its magic, music, and unforgettable journey.

A DIckens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

From the bounty shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddick, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub, and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. On this fateful Christmas Eve night, various forms of mayhem ensue as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could go possibly wrong does, with hilarious, ridiculous results!

Oliver JR Musical
Dec 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Lionel Bart’s Oliver JR

Prep Program

December 8-9, 2023

Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Experience the enchanting world of ‘Oliver Jr.’ a timeless story of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit in Victorian London.

 

Join Oliver as he seeks love and belonging amid hardship, with catchy tunes, memorable characters, and a heartwarming message. Let ‘Oliver Jr.’ sweep you off your feet with its magic, music, and unforgettable journey.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
(www.playscripts.com)

Director: Jonathan Forrester

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG due to mild language and the truth about Santa

Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Part vaudeville and part Complete Works of William Shakespeare…AbridgedEvery Christmas Story Ever Told  is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday traditions. Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance in this racy comedy that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year!

New Queer’s Eve
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

A world premiere! Written by Jason Phillips, Abby Auman, Eli Hamilton, and Mickey Poandl and directed by Dwight Chiles.

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? New Queer’s Eve provides a glimpse into the struggle, absurdity, camaraderie, and joy around this holiday from a LGBTQIA+ lens. The show takes place in one location, and spans several decades of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

*Content notification: language; sensitive subject matter; talk of death; brief burlesque scene (no full nudity.)

December 1 – 16, 2023
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 4pm

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Developed by a Collaboration of Queer Writers
Directed by Dwight Chiles

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? Join us for a look at this holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

Sunday, December 10, 2023
London Raffle
Dec 10 all-day
online

The London Raffle is limited to just 250 tickets, giving you great odds to win a travel package value up to $9,000, including flights, hotel stays, and $500 to experience the sights and sounds of London. This raffle ends December 31, 2023 or when tickets sell out.

The London Raffle prize includes:

  • Two (2) round-trip from Charlotte – Non-stop on British Airways Economy Plus
  •  Transfers to and from the airport to your hotel
  • Accommodations for Five (5) nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in a Superior
    Double with Breakfast daily
  • Up to $500 to spend on guided tours or additional theatre tickets
  • Personal consultation with Foothills Travel to customize your trip
  • On-site concierge provided through MyBucketListEvents

The winner of the Asheville Community Theatre London Raffle will work with David Lloyd of Foothills Travel to customize their London adventure.

United Way’s Holiday Book Drive
Dec 10 all-day
online

We need your help and the help of your network to make this holiday drive as successful as possible in putting new books into the hands of Buncombe County elementary and middle school students during the holiday break.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating books? Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a brand-new book. It’s like sprinkling a little bit of magic into their lives!

We’ve partnered with over a dozen local organizations serving K-12 students throughout the county. They’re eagerly waiting for book drop-offs like kids waiting for the first snowfall! ❄️

You can make a positive impact right now by donating directly using the button below, or why not turn giving back into an outing?

Holiday Book Drive 2023 (givebutter.com)

Visit the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Road at the Asheville Mall to shop in-store and donate them on the spot.