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.

Monday, December 4, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Dec 4 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Dec 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 4 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Dec 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

Winter Lights
Dec 4 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
NC Arboretum

 

Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅

❅ November 17 through December 31!

 

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

Please leave your furry friends at home!

To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.

Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Presented by:

Freshen Up Comedy Showcase
Dec 4 @ 6:30 pm
Noble Cider downtown

Freshen Up Comedy Showcase is the first monday of every month. The showcase highlights the best local comics from the Freshen Up Open Mic that happens every Monday at Noble Cider downtown.

Local comics come out each week to try all of their new material and the best come back for the showcase.

Ryan Gordon hosts Freshen Up and this month we also feature secret guests!

.

no cover, but $10 donation is encouraged

The Screwtape Letters
Dec 4 @ 7:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

A battle for your soul is being waged from an office in hell! Recommended for ages 13+. Children under age 4 are not admitted.

Don’t miss The Screwtape Letters, the provocative, faithful, and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view.

The Screwtape Letters creates a topsy-turvy, morally inverted universe, set in an eerily stylish office in hell, where God is called the “Enemy,” and the devil is referred to as “Our Father Below.” The play follows His Abysmal Sublimity, Screwtape, as he strives to ruin the life and damn the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth.

Based on the book by the creator of The Chronicles of NarniaThe Wall Street Journal called it, “One hell of a good show!” Newsweek ranked it among the best productions of the year in New York City. The New York Times found it, “Clever and satirical,” and Christianity Today said it is a “Profound experience.”

The Screwtape Letters has played to capacity audiences in major cities across the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Seattle, Dallas, and in London. Over 500,000 people have seen the production, which continues to attract a national following.

Starring Brent Harris as Screwtape (Scar in The Lion King national tour), it is directed by Fellowship for Performing Arts Founder and Artistic Director Max McLean.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Dec 5 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Dec 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 5 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Yoga in The Solarium
Dec 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Restoration Asheville

Flow with us at our Rooftop Yoga Series hosted by Asheville Community Yoga! This powerful Vinyasa flow is perfect for yogis of every experience level. Bring your water bottle and your mat to The Solarium on the 6th Floor of The Restoration Hotel and get ready to feel restored.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

Winter Lights
Dec 5 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
NC Arboretum

 

Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅

❅ November 17 through December 31!

 

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

Please leave your furry friends at home!

To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.

Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Presented by:

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Dec 6 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Dec 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt 
Dec 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Carrier Park

 

FREE | Ages 10 and over

Search for candy canes and more — in the dark! Bring your own flashlight. This event is designed for teens and adults, but kids ages 10-12 are welcome with an adult.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

Winter Lights
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
NC Arboretum

 

Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅

❅ November 17 through December 31!

 

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

Please leave your furry friends at home!

To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.

Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Presented by:

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Dec 6 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm and will get four minutes on stage. Anyone skill level from professional to first-timers. So you’ll see great, not-so-great, and hilariously awful comedy all in the same night. Always fun though. Always free.

ROBIN PLEMMONS – SPREAD EAGLE
Dec 6 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Hearts & Buttholes presents: Robin Plemmons – Spread Eagle

It’s a comedy thing about Crohn’s. This shit isn’t funny (but sometimes it totally is).  Hearts & Buttholes is the love child of Robin Plemmons & Melanie Losacco. It’s like if Brené Brown was R-rated, depressed, & had a busted asshole.

As the show opener, Melanie will be warming us up in more ways than one.

And Robin will be coming in strong with amusing visuals & insightful commentary on her journey through all of the literal & emotional shit that comes with chronic illness.

Thursday, December 7, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Dec 7 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Falls Prevention 101
Dec 7 @ 10:30 am
Weaverville Public Library

Come join Heather Bauer as we explore the “Active, But Care-full” (ABCs) of falls prevention. This free session at the Weaverville Library is for anyone of any age who is interested in staying strong, grounded, and independent! We will discuss and assess fall risk with nationally recognized tools, share resources, and practice gentle seated exercises. Each participant will take home a falls risk score, prevention tools, home safety assessment, and a greater understanding of what we can do to reduce our risks! This free class is Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. and you do need to register. Call the library 250-6482 or come by to sign up.

Instructor Heather Bauer is a long-time falls prevention coach and consultant, trained in evidence-based falls prevention programming. She has worked in aging services since 2006, in-home care agencies and community-based human service non-profits. She is a firm believer in living well at any age. She lives in Waynesville with her family, facilitates falls prevention programming across the United States, and co-owns a local pickle business where she stays active in farmers markets and works with customers across WNC.

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program!

Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Dec 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

Smoky Mountain Christmas Parade
Dec 7 @ 6:00 pm
Downtown Canton | Main Street
Winter Lights
Dec 7 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
NC Arboretum

 

Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅

❅ November 17 through December 31!

 

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.

Please leave your furry friends at home!

To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.

Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Presented by:

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy
Dec 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
Stand up comedy featuring Roman Fraden. Hosted byLarry Griffin
FB Event:
https://facebook.com/events/s/standup-comedy-in-the-orange-p/709780957634463/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
For more info about this show contact Michele Scheve, [email protected]
Roman Fraden: Romanis a Los Angeles-based comedian and a regular performer at classic Hollywood venues including The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Hollywood Improv. He has trained with Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre, performed in various ensemble casts in film and on stage, and has opened for Mark Normand, Margaret Cho, and Patton Oswald. His one man show ‘Back In The Closet’ made it’s world premiere at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018. He currently is living in Asheville while still performing everywhere.
Guest Host Larry Griffin: “Larry Griffin started comedy in the bowels of Orlando, Florida in the downtown area outside of Disney World. He’s spent almost a decade now peddling his brand of acerbic, rant-laden comedy in dive bars, breweries, coffee shops and other places across several states in the Southeast region of the US. While some comedy is an escape from the problems of the world, Larry’s comedy has been described as “just another prison.” But he approaches his dark subject matter with levity when he can. His general demeanor has been likened to that of a character from a Coen Bros. film. When not on stage, he can be found in his apartment or some other places. He runs a show at the Burger Bar in Asheville once a month or so on Friday nights, and will host a show at Grail Moviehouse in January.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.
About Slice of Life Comedy: Slice of Life Comedy is owned and run by long standing Ashevillian Michele Scheve. Michele was the Founder and Publisher of the hit satire newspaper “The Asheville Disclaimer” in 2002 (till 2015). She also Hosts one of 103.3 Asheville FM’ longest running and most popular shows, “Slumber Party AVL”, which began in 2011. In addition to these established platforms, Michele also Co-Founded and Co-Owns Buzz Radio Asheville, which features only local music and comedy 24/7. Slice of Life Comedy began as a partnership, between Michele and comedian Kelly Rowe, doing live shows at Pulp Lounge in 2010, highlighting local up-and-coming comics through Open Mic events. From there, Slice of Life Comedy began booking feature shows, After-Party shows for national headline acts and collaboration with more and more venues and producers in the scene. Today, Slice of Life Comedy is the Premiere Partner for shows at some of Asheville’s most well-known and beloved venues.

Friday, December 8, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Dec 8 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!