Calendar of Events

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Rookie Readers is an engaging literacy program designed specifically for toddlers, aiming to foster a love for reading while nurturing their creativity through crafts. Each session combines the joy of storytelling with hands-on craft activities that complement the theme or storyline of the chosen book. With a focus on interactive learning, socialization, and fine motor skill development, Rookie Readers creates a vibrant environment where toddlers can explore the magic of books and unleash their imagination through art. Participants will be able to learn about local resources to promote a lifestyle of literacy while in the program.

Rookie Readers will take place at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, located at 258 Livingston St from 10:00 to 11:30.

Dates:
November 4th, 18th
December: 2nd, 16th, 30th

Please contact Fallon “Bonsai” Hyder at [email protected], or (828) 989- 2464 with any questions.

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. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar + Cocktails feature author Tony Robles as the next poet in their series “In the Company of Writers.” The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The Chicago blues music of “Hollywood Johnny Cosgrove” (accompanied by Charlie Wilkinson) welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic are available at the entrance.

Born in San Francisco, Tony Robles now makes his home in Hendersonville. His latest poetry collection, Where the Warehouse Things was published in late 2024 by Redhawk Publications in Hickory, NC. This book focuses on masculinity, set against the backdrop of mechanical parts, tools, and the rough language of men. This, his fourth poetry collection, follows the 2023 collection Thrift Store Metamorphosis (Redhawk Publications). Among his honors, Tony was short-listed for Poet Laureate of San Francisco in 2017, named Carl Sandburg Writer in Residence by the Carl Sandburg Historic Home in 2020 and twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. He holds an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is working on his first novel.

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.

Standup Comedy Pageant Finale
Wednesday January 29, 2025.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)

Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!

Participants are WINNERS of three standup contests 9/05, 12 & 19. Pageant Winner gets title and $200 cash prize. Audience votes thru ballot!
Free snacks and outside food allowed.
9/5 winner Zandra Johnson
9/12 winners tied Roman Fraden & Jordan Julius
9/19 winner Jason Reel
Plus mystery wild card contestant!
This show is more than just great standup! Contestants must vie for the title through games. Audience votes thru ballot.

More info contact Michele at [email protected]
Tickets: https://theorangepeel.net/event/standup-comedy-pageant/pulp/asheville-north-carolina/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECfza5TKK/
IG: @SliceofLifeComedy

On Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. the Gerton Fire Station at 4975 Gerton Hwy., Gerton, NC 28735 will host the book launch of The Deep End of Hope in the Wake of Hurricane Helene: 40 Days and Nights of Survival and Transformation. Published by GracePoint Publishing’s Evolve Press, this is the first book on the market about what happened in Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Event Speakers include John Ager, Former Representative, NC House; Kevin King, Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service; and Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Malaprop’s Bookstore will be onsite selling books. The author will be available for book signing. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Kevin King, Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service said, “This book is a must read by every disaster response organization and their constituents including volunteers and donors.”
With raw honesty and unexpected humor, Emma chronicles her role as a trauma chaplain in her community of Gerton, NC as it is forced to build itself anew. Without power, phones, or internet, they teetered between chaos and unity. As lawlessness emerged and desperation mounted, Emma made a choice that would change everything: to transform her fear into a fierce kind of love. Part survival story, part love letter to human resilience, this unforgettable memoir shows us what’s possible when crisis strips away our differences and reveals our shared humanity. In a world increasingly divided, Emma’s story reminds us that our greatest strength lies not in our independence, but in our connections to each other.

A portion of the book proceeds will go to Mennonite Disaster Service, as they were one of the first groups in Gerton helping with recovery efforts.

Stars Servin’ Up Love will welcome Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Michael Kosta, Pete Wentz, Jeff Probst, Esai Morales, and others to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, N.C. for its celebrity tennis Hurricane Helene benefit for Western North Carolina on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. 100% of net proceeds from the charity event (including direct donations from the event’s online auction and other opportunities) will be donated to local nonprofits including Always Asheville Fund, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and Asheville Tennis Association. Featured sponsors include Ingles Markets, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, and Ticketmaster. Presales through the United States Tennis Association and participating outlets begin on Monday, December 16 at 10:00 am ET, and public on-sale begins on Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 am ET. Tickets can be purchased at StarsServinUpLove.com.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Soprana Rooftop with live jazz by Trevor Darden, a specially curated Valentine’s Day menu, cocktail specials, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Join us on February 14th from 6 to 9 PM for an unforgettable evening. Book reservation today.

For over 32 years, the Frostbite Races have motivated runners and walkers to stay active throughout the colder winter months. Participants brave the chilly temperatures to compete in a series of races, including a challenging 10K, a scenic 5K, or 1-mile fun run. Flurry the Penguin is always encouraging runners and walkers with high fives. The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo add to the excitement with local vendors, wellness services, live music, and kid’s activities. The Frostbite Races have become a beloved tradition in Fletcher, NC, bringing the community together for a day of fitness and fun.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.

Ross Gay is interested in joy.
Ross Gay wants to understand joy.
Ross Gay is curious about joy.
Ross Gay studies joy.
Something like that.

Ross Gay — Poet, Essayist, & National Book Critics Circle Award Winner — will visit ACS with a profound mission: to explore and understand joy.

Ross Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; Be Holding, winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. In addition to his poetry, Ross has released three collections of essays— The Book of Delights was released in 2019 and was a New York Times bestseller; Inciting Joy was released in 2022, and his newest collection, The Book of (More) Delights was released in September of 2023.

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.

Come check out the Charlotte Hornets at home in the Spectrum Center.

The Olivette Farm 5K & Fun Run, hosted by Asheville Cryotherapy and Recovery, will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM. This unique race offers an early spring challenge for both competitive and novice runners with an on-and-off-road course through the beautiful Olivette Community and Farm. After the race, attendees can enjoy an after-party featuring local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds will support the sustainable farming mission of Olivette Farm.

Come check out the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.

Try Tennis for Kids at Hendersonville Racquet Club: A Fun, Affordable Way to Get Into the Game!
Looking for a fun, active way to introduce your child to tennis? Try Tennis for Kids is the perfect program
for children ages 5–14 who are new to the sport or have had minimal experience. Over the course of six
weeks, your child will learn the fundamentals of tennis, including basic strokes, how to rally, and most
importantly, have fun learning a new sport!
For $40, each child will receive a free racquet and instruction from our coaches. This is a fantastic
opportunity to develop important skills in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Program Highlights:
● Ages: 5–14
● Dates: March 4th – April 15th (No class on March 18th for Spring Break)
● Sessions: 4–5 PM and 5–6 PM
● Duration: 6 weeks
● Cost: $40 (includes racquet)
● Location: Hendersonville Racquet Club indoor courts
Spaces are limited! Grab a friend and sign up today at https://www.trytennis.net to secure your spot.
Come join us on the court and watch your child develop new skills, confidence, and a love for tennis. We
can’t wait to see you there!
For more information, call 828-693-0040 or email Kaitlyn at [email protected].