Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups
Dec 6 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 Light Trail Tour
Dec 6 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Holiday Volunteer + Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County
Dec 6 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!
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 7 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Holiday Volunteer + Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County
Dec 7 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!
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)
Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Dec 7 @ 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!

Daytime Christmas Tours Historic Johnson Farm
Dec 7 @ 10:30 am
Historic Johnson Farm

Christmas decorations on the porch of the farm house.

Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.

$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.

$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

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 Light Trail Tour
Dec 8 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

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!
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 8 @ 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)
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!

Daytime Christmas Tours Historic Johnson Farm
Dec 8 @ 10:30 am
Historic Johnson Farm

Christmas decorations on the porch of the farm house.

Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.

$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.

$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 8 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Candlelight Christmas Tours
Dec 9 all-day
Historic Johnson Farm

Come tour the decorated, historic farm house and learn about the Johnson Family. Each evening, tours will start at 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15 PM each evening. Registration and advance payment is required. Tickets will go on sale November 1.

$20 adults, $15 students, $15 seniors (65+), free for 4 and under. Children are more than welcome, but please know the tour is about an hour of listening to guides talk about farm history before ending with hot chocolate and cookies.

Music upon arrival provided by local school groups. All tours will end with a visit to the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

Holiday Light Trail Tour
Dec 9 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

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!
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

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 9 @ 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)
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

LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
Dec 9 @ 11:00 am
LaZoom Room


Kids’ Comedy Tour: 
Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.

  • Perfect for birthday parties
  • Makes for memorable school field trips
  • Tickets are $27 per person
  • Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
ArtsAVL Connect Trolley
Dec 9 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Central Business District to the River Arts District

Starting April 8th, you can ride ArtAVL’s new free ArtsAVL Connect Trolley – connecting the Downtown and River Arts Districts with two overlapping routes.

The initiative is a partnership between ArtsAVL and Gray Line Asheville. Beginning April 8th, two chartered Gray Line trolleys will circulate on 20-30 minute intervals from 12-8 pm on every Second Saturday. Riders are welcome to hop on and off anywhere along the trolley routes.

The Downtown Trolley connects the main areas of the Central Business District to the River Arts District. The River Arts Trolley loops throughout the River Arts District. Residents and visitors can view stops and current location of trolleys through the interactive trolley map on ArtsAVL’s website and the new ArtsAVL app.

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.

 

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 9 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Sunday, December 10, 2023
DIY River + Road Cleanups
Dec 10 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 Light Trail Tour
Dec 10 all-day
Hendersonville

Evenings, across the county
The best thing about being in a small town during the holiday season is that everyone joins in on bringing the holiday cheer! This year, homes and businesses across the county are festively decorated, and welcome visitors to view their holiday displays. Follow the trail for a fun evening with your loved ones, driving to view the best lights the area has to offer. There is no competition here, just a bunch of people who love this time of year! This self-guided tour is free, a suggested route will be available here on December 1st. (Please note, many of the Downtown Hendersonville locations are best viewed by foot. Additionally, some displays may be up beyond December 26th.)

Any and all local homes and businesses are invited to register to be on this year’s trail (registration closes 11/30). Register here.

Holiday Volunteer + Donation Opportunities for Buncombe County
Dec 10 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!
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Dec 10 @ 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)
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Dec 10 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr Asheville

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.