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
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 7 @ 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!

Jeeves Takes a Bow
Dec 7 @ 7:30 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. 

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
DIY River + Road Cleanups
Dec 8 all-day
Asheville Area

Whenever you want!

 

Supplies available at

2 Sulphur Springs Road

If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.

Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).

Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.

Need to know

Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.

Holiday Volunteer + Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County
Dec 8 all-day
Buncombe County

To support local nonprofits during this holiday season, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has compiled a list of volunteer and donation opportunities happening in our community in November and December.

If you are searching for ways to give to folks in need, by making a donation or giving some of your time to help out, please visit: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, and we will get back to you with more information. Our response email will include a link which will give you access to a list with a variety of options you can choose from. Since new opportunities are being added every day, we encourage you to frequently check the list, especially if you did not find what you are looking for at the time.

We appreciate you and all that you do for our community. Please keep it up, especially for this holiday season.

 


Participating Organizations:

  • ABCCM South
  • Asheville High School/SILSA
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Erwin Middle School
  • Montmorenci United Methodist Church
  • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

*Note, this list will grow as new opportunities come in! 


 

In order to receive details about these opportunities, simply

  1. Click the blue “respond” button above. visit this site: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
  2. After responding, you will receive a confirmation email with more information and a link to access the list of opportunities. 
  3. Remember, this list will be updated frequently, so make sure to check back frequently!
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.

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
Holiday Volunteer + Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County
Dec 9 all-day
Buncombe County

To support local nonprofits during this holiday season, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has compiled a list of volunteer and donation opportunities happening in our community in November and December.

If you are searching for ways to give to folks in need, by making a donation or giving some of your time to help out, please visit: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, and we will get back to you with more information. Our response email will include a link which will give you access to a list with a variety of options you can choose from. Since new opportunities are being added every day, we encourage you to frequently check the list, especially if you did not find what you are looking for at the time.

We appreciate you and all that you do for our community. Please keep it up, especially for this holiday season.

 


Participating Organizations:

  • ABCCM South
  • Asheville High School/SILSA
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Erwin Middle School
  • Montmorenci United Methodist Church
  • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

*Note, this list will grow as new opportunities come in! 


 

In order to receive details about these opportunities, simply

  1. Click the blue “respond” button above. visit this site: 2023 Holiday Volunteer & Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County | Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
  2. After responding, you will receive a confirmation email with more information and a link to access the list of opportunities. 
  3. Remember, this list will be updated frequently, so make sure to check back frequently!
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.

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

Elk Hollow Preserve Hike with Highlands Brewing Co.
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Elk Hollow Preserve

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate (6/10)

Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-members

 

Join us for a pleasant stroll through the Elk Hollow Preserve on the Everett J. Bowman Memorial Trail. The trail will lead us through beautiful forests of oaks, maples, and beech trees, as well as early successional meadows perfect for bird spotting. The Preserve boasts a bounty of rare wildlife, including Golden-winged Warblers, Southern Appalachian brook trout, and Gray’s lilies. Additionally, SAHC has installed a camping platform, intact trail system, and a moldering privy which will leave you excited to visit us again.

This hike is part of our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnership with Highland Brewing Company, celebrating the release of their Nuts and Volts coffee porter. The hike will be led by Katie Greer, SAHC’s Community Engagement and Education AmeriCorps member who will talk about the history of the tract.

The Elk Hollow Preserve is an hour and a half drive north of Asheville NC and an hour from Johnson City TN. Please plan accordingly!

FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members. If you are not a member but would like to become one, click here!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require further details at [email protected]

Map Your 2024 Election Year
Dec 9 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Buncombe County Democratic Party

Once the Times Square ball drops, ringing in 2024, be ready for a fast-paced 9½ weeks in preparation for your Annual Precinct Meeting in February and the Primary Election on Tues., March 5th.

2024 is an Election Year. If you want to accomplish your goals, engage your volunteers, and get voters to the polls in November, create a well-organized plan of action now. Don’t wait until January. Start now to plan, design, and map your 2024 year.

Led by professional trainer Barrie Barton, this workshop leads you through Map Your Year, a step-by-step approach to plan the year ahead. To receive the greatest benefit from this 1.5-hr. workshop, we encourage all 3 officers and key volunteers from your precinct to attend. By the end of this workshop, your precinct team will leave with goals, strategies and actions to make 2024 a successful year.

Who should attend: All precinct officers and key volunteers

Bookstore Volunteers Needed
Dec 9 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Bookworm’s Den

There’s nothing like opening a brand new book and getting lost in the pages, especially during these dark winter months. Ensuring that more local youth have that very experience is exactly what United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County hopes to do through their annual Holiday Book Drive.

Sponsored by Capstone Health and Barnes & Noble Asheville, this drive runs from November 1 – December 31.

We need your help in running The Bookworm’s Den, our first-ever UWABC Holiday Bookstore. YOU can be an integral part in making the new and free Holiday Bookstore experience truly memorable for families and youth! The bookstore will be open on Saturday, December 9th, from 12 to 3 PM, for more details see below.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Greeting families and checking them in
  • Running the hot chocolate bar
  • Reading stories to children
  • Acting as “booksellers” by assisting youth with finding books
  • And more!

Requirements:

  • You will need to sign a volunteer waiver before the shifts starts
  • All volunteers will receive a brief orientation prior to the start of your shift

Skills Required: 

  • Good customer service and welcoming demeanor.
  • Flexibility to help where needed.

Attire:

  • Casual or festive holiday clothes (think Santa hats, reindeer headbands, Christmas bulb necklaces, ugly sweaters that are family friendly)

Location:

  • 50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Health and Safety:

  • Masks are optional, must bring your own if you need one
  • This event requires for volunteers to stand for long periods. Accommodations can be made if requested.

 

“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!