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
The Black, White, + Red Gala
Dec 7 all-day
Point Lookout Vineyards

Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 7th, 2023, as the Chamber welcomes you to an evening of enchantment, camaraderie, and celebration. The theme for the night is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary – a harmonious symphony of black, white, and red that will transform the venue into a visual masterpiece.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the gala will come to life with soulful melodies, setting the tone for an evening of refined enjoyment. Guests will savor a delectable dinner that tantalizes their taste buds and reflects the culinary artistry of the region. From the first bite to the last sip, your senses will be engaged in a delightful dance of flavors.

A highlight of the night will be the exhilarating live auction, where coveted treasures and experiences will be unveiled, offering an opportunity to acquire something truly exceptional while contributing to the community. And for those seeking to toast to the night, a cash bar will be at your service, ensuring that every moment is accompanied by your beverage of choice.

Tickets to the Black, White, & Red Gala are ON SALE NOW!, so secure your place at this extraordinary affair. Whether you’re attending with friends, colleagues, or loved ones, the gala is a perfect occasion to don your most elegant attire and embrace the spirit of the evening’s theme.

Join us for a night that will weave memories to cherish, celebrate the holiday season in style, and support the endeavors of the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge. Get ready to paint the night with sophistication, as we come together under the banner of elegance at the Black, White, & Red Gala.

Mischief Moon Gala
Dec 7 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Invoke your imagination and dawn your most creaturely costumes at the Mischief Moon Gala! This evening of ceremony, interactive art, empowered movement, and connection is coming Thursday, December 7th, to the Asheville Masonic Temple. Head to https://www.fireflygathering.org/event/mischief-moon-gala for tickets, and see below for more details!

The Mischief Moon Gala: Thursday, December 7th from 5 – 11 pm at the Asheville Masonic Temple

Join us as we celebrate the power of creativity and community with live music from beloved artists like Holy River, Sarah Louise, and Wild Roots Rising; a community waltz with a live band (waltz class beforehand!); traditional Cherokee foods from Bigwitch Wisdom Initiative, and an entire evening of beautifully bizarre performances, installations, and offerings.

This year, we are delving into the wide world of weird, with an emphasis on the bizarre iterations of creation. Start creating your most captivating costumes as you, The Wanderer, have many adventures into the underworld and beyond soon to come!

Begin your journey in The Underworld, where we’ve curated an assortment of oddities to entertain you, including the Fae Cleaning Crew and the FerryMan. When you need to revive your spirits, journey up the Haunted Staircase to sojourn in the Realm of the Fae, where ethereal music, poetry and the Otherworldly Art Gallery & Cantina await you.

All proceeds for the Gala go toward supporting artists and fundraise for Firefly Gathering’s year-round work to empower the people of the Southeast through earthskills workshops, the Annual Firefly Gathering, and community-building events.

Friday, December 8, 2023
INTERNATIONAL BALLET THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Join International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova as the beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Center stage. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured as snow falls on the Concert Hall stage. No holiday season is complete without joining Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they encounter dancing snowflakes, spirited sword fights and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. With glittering costumes and exquisite sets, this incredible performance is not to be missed.

Saturday, December 9, 2023
Beginner Adult Tap Workshop
Dec 9 all-day
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre is holding a series of tap workshops to stay on top of your newfound tap skills or to refresh your brain on the basics ahead of our Spring 2024 Tap Classes. This class is NOT for those who have never tapped before as we won’t be learning new moves, but rather refining your previously acquired skills. This workshop is for beginners with at least a minimal understanding of tap and will be a hybrid of a traditional tap class and time to work on your own with coaching from Allison.

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Join International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova as the beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Center stage. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured as snow falls on the Concert Hall stage. No holiday season is complete without joining Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they encounter dancing snowflakes, spirited sword fights and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. With glittering costumes and exquisite sets, this incredible performance is not to be missed.

South Carolina’s Governer’s School: WINTER DANCE PERFORMANCE
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Gunter Theatre

Held at Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre, The Winter Dance Performance showcases the talented dancers from the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Repertoire ranges from classical ballet, modern/contemporary, and exciting jazz.

Sunday, December 10, 2023
South Carolina’s Governer’s School: WINTER DANCE PERFORMANCE
Dec 10 @ 2:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

Held at Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre, The Winter Dance Performance showcases the talented dancers from the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Repertoire ranges from classical ballet, modern/contemporary, and exciting jazz.

INTERNATIONAL BALLET THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 10 @ 3:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Join International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova as the beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Center stage. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured as snow falls on the Concert Hall stage. No holiday season is complete without joining Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they encounter dancing snowflakes, spirited sword fights and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. With glittering costumes and exquisite sets, this incredible performance is not to be missed.

Friday, December 15, 2023
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party + live music with Caribbean Cowboys
Dec 15 @ 6:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

It’s that time of year again! Dust off your most tacky Christmas sweater and head to Point Lookout for wine + some festive jams with Steve Weams – The Caribbean Cowboys Band! Prize goes to the ugliest sweater! 🎄
Dec. 15 | 6-9pm | No cover charge

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Kid Hop Hooray!
Dec 16 @ 10:00 am
The Orange Peel
Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with Live DJ: DJ Oso Rey!
Drop in anytime.
Playing family-friendly dance music for family wintertime fun/
There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase the Hop Ice Creamery!  And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments (and/or kids‘ juice boxes)
Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.
12 and under are only $2 (babies under 2 years old are free) and everyone else is $6.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Sunday, December 17, 2023
A Swannanoa Solstice
Dec 17 @ 2:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

For more than 20 years, this beloved local holiday tradition has ushered in the winter season with a joyful infusion of performances by the best and brightest artists in our region. This year, the celebration welcomes the next generation of musicians to the stage to spread seasonal warmth, magic and cheer with Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music, rousing dance and timeless stories — illuminating winter’s darkest day with wonder and peace.

The 2023 A Swannanoa Solstice features performances by:

-John Doyle
-John Goforth
-E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band
-Jane Kramer
-Becky Stone
-Zoe & Cloyd

A Swannanoa Solstice
Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

For more than 20 years, this beloved local holiday tradition has ushered in the winter season with a joyful infusion of performances by the best and brightest artists in our region. This year, the celebration welcomes the next generation of musicians to the stage to spread seasonal warmth, magic and cheer with Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music, rousing dance and timeless stories — illuminating winter’s darkest day with wonder and peace.

The 2023 A Swannanoa Solstice features performances by:

-John Doyle
-John Goforth
-E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band
-Jane Kramer
-Becky Stone
-Zoe & Cloyd

Thursday, December 21, 2023
Connect Beyond’s Holiday Fundraiser
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage

Join us for our 2023 Holiday Fundraiser featuring a silent auction and raffle as well as live DJ set from Mad Mike Martinez, and a dance party for all attendeees.

VIP TICKET // $35 // 6pm – 7:30pm: VIP Hour includes light appetizers and beverages.

General Admission Tickets // $5 // 6pm – 10pm: Includes your suggested donation to non-profit, Connect Beyond Festival.

*Proceeds from this event will be directly donated to Connect Beyond Festival. This is an all ages event.

Thursday, December 28, 2023
City Dance
Dec 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, December 30, 2023
A Walk in the Park: Campbell Covered Bridge Park, SC
Dec 30 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Ingles Markets

A Walk in the Park
We will Tour de Parks of the area. One at a time. You are welcome to join me.
This Week: Campbell Covered Bridge & Poinsett Bridge, SC:
Accum Length: 1.0mi Accum ascent: 100 ft
Difficulty: Suitable for beginners: if you can handle some rocks & roots.
(This event is NOT for those with health or balance issues.)
Drive time: 1.25 hr RT; 60mi RT
Apprx return time: 1 PM
Weather Check: Landrum, SC
Carpool contributions appreciated. $2.00 suggested
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver’s car at the end of the hike.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged.
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT WALK. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs.
Dogs (and Masters) required to be ‘on-leash’…
DESCRIPTION:
Remember – hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1909 Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina. The 38 foot long, 12 foot wide pine structure spans Beaverdam Creek
There is a ½ mile loop trail and the creek is ‘wade-able’ (optionable).
**Poinsett Bridge..**a 183-year-old arched stone bridge believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. A moderately steep slope leads to the stream below the bridge and photo ops.
All walks are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie’s contact: [email protected]
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)

New Year’s Freakout
Dec 30 @ 8:00 pm
DSSOLVR

Get ready to bid farewell 2023 a day early. That’s right y’all, we are doing a New Year’s Eve, Eve Party. 24 hours till 2024, get ready for New Year’s Freakout! 🥳 DJ ABUDISARRAY is cranking up the beats starting at 8 PM, and we’ve got a night of non-stop celebration planned just for you.

The party kicks off at 8 PM, and guess what? Free entry!
We’ll also have signature Jello Shots, Specialty Lil Thankies cocktails, and Peppermint Mocha hot drinks!
As the clock inches closer to midnight, we’re treating you to a complimentary champagne toast to ring in the New Year’s.(who parties on a Sunday?)

Bring your party spirit, dancing shoes, and get ready to freak out as we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new in the most epic way possible. See you there!

Sunday, December 31, 2023
New Year’s Eve Party at Point Lookout Vineyards
Dec 31 @ 6:30 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Fine dining, music from The Super 60’s, and good times

Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Westie Wednesdays at Continuum ft. Ryan Pflumm
Jan 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
CONTINUUM ART

Help us relaunch the Westie scene in a premier venue showcasing spacious dance floors, high ceilings, and a vintage vibe. If you are new to West Coast Swing, come check out for yourself the popular dance style that can be done to a wide variety of music, including pop, country, blues, and contemporary music! For those looking to advance their skills, the Hendersonville WCS community is excited to welcome Pro Instructor Ryan Pflumm to Continuum!

As always, the dress is casual and no partner is needed. Join us for an incredible night of connecting and dancing with our MONTHLY event every FIRST Wednesday!

PRIVATE LESSONS
If you would like to book a private lesson with Ryan for $75 per hour, please message Continuum with the following:

  1. Which timeslot(s)
  2. number of people attending
    Times:
    3:30-4:30pm
    4:30-5:30pm
    5:30-6:30pm
    first come, first served

CLASSES
7:00-8:00pm Intermediate w/ Ryan Pflumm!
7:00-8:00pm Beginner w/ Rachel Harris
8:00-10:00pm Social Dance

Each class is $10 and includes a pass to the social dance. The social dance is $7 without a lesson. Music will be DJ’d by Pro Instructor Ryan Pflumm.

Bring your own beer/wine. Liquor and other beverages above 16% alcohol content are strictly prohibited.

Masks are encouraged but, not required.

Cash, cards, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash app are accepted.

Friday, January 5, 2024
SAHC Community Farm Tour
Jan 5 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
SAHC Community Farm

We invite you to join us for a hike around the beautiful SAHC Community Farm with Engagement and Education AmeriCorps member, Katie Greer!

Participants will hike along the The Discovery Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that traverses through the forests and fields of the farm. Along the way, we may encounter the resident Scottish Highland cow herd, Texas longhorn cattle, white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, and more as we make our way across the farm grounds.

Our 140-acre Community Farm educational and working farm just outside of Asheville. The farm is a continually evolving home for conservation projects and agricultural production. An ideal place for photographers, nature-lovers, and individuals interested in regenerative agriculture, our stream restoration projectshortleaf pine reforestation projectfarm incubator program, and education center, are a few of the highlights.

Please note that our Community Farm is an active farm not open to the public unless accompanied by SAHC staff. To ensure safety, staff capacity, and a positive experience for everyone involved it is critical that ALL hike participants pre-register for events before visiting the farm. You will receive an email with specific information about where to meet on the farm and other necessary details. If you do not receive this email, as well as a confirmation email following your registration, we do not have you registered for the hike. The majority of this hike is not disability accessible. 

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

Saturday, January 6, 2024
KID HOP HOORAY! Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with Live DJ: DJ Oso Rey!
Jan 6 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with Live DJ: DJ Oso Rey!
Drop in anytime.
Playing family-friendly dance music for family wintertime fun/
There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase the Hop Ice Creamery!  And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments (and/or kids‘ juice boxes)
Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.
12 and under are only $2 (babies under 2 years old are free) and everyone else is $6.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO
Jan 16 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

You don’t need to know plié from a jeté to enjoy Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. The company, affectionately known as the Trocks, brings its internationally beloved troupe of male dancers to Greenville to perform a brilliant combination of skillful pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical ballet favorites like Swan Lake.

In the nearly 50 years since the company’s founding, it has grown to achieve great appeal among more mainstream audiences who flock to theaters throughout the world to see the prima ballerinas perform. The Trocks are “a guaranteed hoot for people who know nothing of ballet and an absolute must for those who think they know the originals” (Sydney Star Observer).

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, January 18, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Friday, January 19, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

SHREK RAVE
Jan 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

IT’S DUMB JUST COME HAVE FUN. WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD.

Ages 18+

Saturday, January 20, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Chase Away the Blues
Jan 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC’s popular event, Chase Away the Blues, returns to January in 2024 to brighten up the winter nights! Get ready! The VIP Blues Lounge opens at 5:30 PM with live music open bar and food provided by Tryon Resort in the Pavilion. All are sure to get your feet stomping…

Sunday, January 21, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Coldest Day of the Year Hike at Bailey Mountain Preserve
Jan 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bailey Mountain Preserve

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy as we visit the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy monitors each year. The Preserve is open to the public and encompasses over 250 acres. Bailey Mountain is the highest peak visible from the Town of Mars Hill, and this mountain figures prominently in the history of the Town and Mars Hill University. The preserve offers six contiguous miles of hiking trails, masterfully built and maintained by the dedicated volunteers and the Friends of Bailey Mountain. For more resources and news regarding Bailey Mountain, follow this link: https://libguides.mhu.edu/Bailey

On this hike we will be joined by a few members of the Friends of Bailey Mountain who will orient us with the preserve and share their passion for this awesome place!

Please note that this property is open to the public but if you wish to join this guided hike it is critical that ALL participants pre-register for this event. You will receive a follow-up email with specific information about where to meet at the preserve and other necessary details 24-48 hours prior to the hike. If you do not receive this email, as well as a confirmation email following your registration, we do not have you registered for the hike. This hike is not disability accessible. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]