Calendar of Events
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.
Join Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company for a night of spoken word. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause. The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
Sign-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Let’s gather together and enjoy the sounds of the season! Kate and Jessica bring you Christmas favorites and lesser-known melodies specially arranged for the flute and harp. Soothing for the soul and uplifting for the spirit.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
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.
Our New Year’s Eve bar crawl isn’t just another party; it’s an exhilarating experience filled with endless memories. Gather your crew and join the thrilling journey from bar to bar, where lively DJs, creative cocktails, and unbeatable vibes await. The atmosphere is electric, with hundreds of NYE revelers coming together for an unforgettable celebration as we toast to 2025!
Why This Bar Crawl is a Must-Do for NYE 2025
Dress to impress and prepare for a night that exceeds all expectations. This New Year’s Eve, immerse yourself in the festive spirit with perks that include:
Digital Bar Crawl Map – Plan your route and hit the best spots in town!
Champagne Toast – Welcome the New Year with a celebratory toast.
Live DJs – Dance to the beats of live music at select venues.
Social Media Feature – Capture unforgettable moments with friends and get featured!
Drink Specials – Enjoy exclusive drink deals all night long.
Free Entry – Skip the cover charges at participating bars.
Photographer/Videographer – Look out for our event photographers to capture the magic.
On-Site Staff – Friendly staff will be on hand to help and guide you.
With your ticket, enjoy waived cover fees, fantastic drink specials, and a digital map that guides you to each venue on the crawl. The best part? Each stop offers a unique New Year’s experience, ensuring your night is packed with energy and fun!
Date: Tuesday, December 31st, 2024
Check-In: 6pm-9pm
After-Party – Keep the excitement going with our exclusive after-party, ensuring your NYE celebration continues well into the night.
Important Information New Years Eve Information
Event Guidelines: As you gear up for this festive adventure, remember to drink responsibly. It’s not a race; it’s a marathon of merry moments. Never, ever drink and drive – let’s keep the roads as joyful as our party! Have burning questions or need more info? Check out our FAQs page. We’ve got answers to all your queries.
Contact Us: Our dedicated customer service team is on standby 24/7, ready to address any inquiries sent to our desk nationwide. Whether it’s ticket issues, event confusion, or anything in between, reach out to us, and we’ll gladly tend to every question you have. Your questions are our priority, and we guarantee timely responses. www.pubcrawls.com Contact Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Must be 21 years or older to participate in our events. All participating bars and their food or drink specials may be subject to change at the venue’s discretion. Free tickets do not include any beverages, shots, promotional items, or supplies provided as part of the paid bar crawl. Must present your ticket at check-in before check-in time ends to receive your wristband. All sales are final; no returns, refunds, or exchanges for services once purchased.
Prices:
Group Rate :: 4 or More NYE Bar Crawl + Party: USD 19.99,
Early Bird :: Check In 6pm-9pm: USD 24.99,
After Party :: Check In 8pm: USD 29.99
Every Monday, Ivy Rozen, Senior Editor of The Black Mountain Press, will host a poetry-specific open mic from 6:30pm-9pm. Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading (email Ivy at [email protected] if you’d like to be a featured poet)!
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.
HEAVY MOUNTAIN MUSIC & BEER FEST
$95 VIP
Originally scheduled for 10/26/24. Previously purchased tickets will be honored.
Ages 18
Heavy Mountain Music and Beer Fest returns for Halloween weekend of 2024! Bolstering two days of heavy music and spooky vibes, Heavy Mountain makes its way to the Orange Peel and Burial Beer’s Eulogy. Featuring an array of iconic artists and genre spanning acts, exclusive pours from the area’s finest breweries, and hair-raising visual installations to set the mood for the Southeast’s heaviest Halloween Party!
First wave lineup announcement includes legendary atmospheric black metal from Washington’s Wolves in the Throne Room, dark medieval stylings of black metal heroine Hulder, and immersive fantasy/doom from NYC’s Castle Rat. In addition, the fest will feature highly anticipated album release sets from East Tennessee progressive sludge powerhouse Generation of Vipers and Asheville death metal outfit Harsh Realm.
The fest will also include a pre party with Chicago’s post metal pioneers Pelican & an after party of cover sets by local favorites both hosted at Burial Beer’s Eulogy. Heavy Mountain promises a blood curdling weekend of evil. Sure to please Halloween heads, metal maniacs and beer buffs alike with costumes, cover sets, and plenty of beverages.
For more info and tickets visit heavymountainfest
Queer Girls Literary Reading Series Celebrates its Fifteenth Anniversary
Asheville, NC—On Sunday, January 26th at 6:00 PM, Eulogy at Burial Beer Company (10 Buxton Avenue in Asheville’s South Slope) will host the Fifteenth Annual Queer Girls Literary Reading, a celebration of Asheville’s queer literary women. This year’s lineup includes local and regional writers, UNCA students, and community members.
Admission to the event is by donation, with a $5-10 suggested donation (more if you can, less if you can’t). Doors will open at 5:30 PM.
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.
Celebrating its seventh year running in 2025, the *Assembly Required Designer Toy Expo returns to Asheville, and it’s bigger than ever! With a record 50+ artists descending upon Downtown Asheville in February from 21 states including Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, Rhode Island, as well as Canada. As the premiere destination for independent designer, bootleg and art toy artists and collectors from across the North America, *Assembly Required honors this melting pot of artistic expression, inspired by pop culture and street art.
Saturday, February 1, 2025: 11a-5p
Sunday, February 2, 2025: 11a-4p
More information can be found at www.assembly-required.net
Parental discretion is advised.
February 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the historic Wortham Center for the Performing Arts as Voices of Impact takes the stage to inspire and ignite change. This one-of-a-kind event brings together visionary speakers to explore the profound connections between leadership, community, and the planet through powerful stories, innovative ideas, and inspirational perspectives.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Talks: Thought-provoking presentations from changemakers across sectors such as business and leadership, culture, finance, and nature.
- Interactive Engagement: Opportunities for audience participation and meaningful dialogue.
- Speaker Q&A: A chance to connect directly with the speakers during a post-event discussion.
Voices of Impact creates a space where ideas flow, voices are amplified, and connections flourish. Come with curiosity, leave with inspiration and practical next steps, and join a community committed to shaping a better future.
We invite business leaders, visionaries, and curious minds to join us in celebrating the power of ideas, leadership, and collaboration.
Seats are limited—don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this extraordinary night!
This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the breast/chest and lung area.
Spending an hour on each breast/pec area is a game changer for the body as a whole. This will be invaluable to breast health, to improve your breath and lift the ribcage for overall upper body alignment. This is a must have for everyone! It is recommended to attend the other workshops or complete the 9 day starter program before doing this workshop. Please see referral link below if you would like to purchase a block and 9 day starter program.
Block Therapy combines sustained pressure and diaphragmatic breathing to dissolve fascial adhesions connected to the bone. Fascia, which grips bone at 2000 pounds per square inch, can lead to misalignment over time. This method reverses misalignment and promotes body symmetry as the ribcage often collapses into core causing a cascade of issues for alignment and organs and glands.
Join us Saturday 1-3 pm for a 2 hour fascia decompression workshop and tap into your body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this second annual, pre-Valentine’s Day workshop offers space to connect + craft a love letter from the heart. We’ll talk about the history of love letters complete with examples, what elements go into its writing, how to find and capture meaningful moments, and provide the needed materials to complete a written letter. This is a multi-disciplinary workshop focused around writing. Playful. Meaningful. Connective. Open to lovers of all types! Participants will walk away with:
– creative letter-writing
– a wax-sealed envelope and letter
– meaningful connection exercises
– a shared experience
– snacks
Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary
This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the core and ribs to move stuck energy from pain and trauma. This is a slow and relaxed class focusing on connecting to full conscious breath to open areas where emotions are stored in the fascia. Pain, fear, and stress cause us to hold our breath as a protective mechanism to shield ourselves. When breath becomes paralyzed from trauma pain and stress, there is no movement of that energy out of the body. In this workshop we are going to be releasing past/current patterns of breathing, created by trauma, pain , and stress. Our breath is directly connected to our nervous system, so this practice relaxes the nervous system so the body can get out of flight and flight or freeze and into rest, digest, and heal.
We use a rolled-up towel to begin as this process of unwinding takes time and can cause detoxification symptoms. Please bring a towel with you for the class. A medium sized towel works great.
Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary
Step Into the World of Pollinators at the 6th Annual Great Buzz Gathering!
Imagine a world without vibrant blooms, flourishing crops, or thriving wildlife. That’s the reality we face without pollinators—the tiny but mighty creatures essential to life on Earth. On Saturday, February 15, you’re invited to the The Mule at Devil’s Foot in Asheville to celebrate these unsung heroes and explore how we can all play a part in their conservation.
From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a community united by a passion for biodiversity, native plants, and protecting pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning to appreciate the beauty of bees, butterflies, and beyond, this event offers something for everyone.
You’ll enjoy five captivating 10-minute talks from experts on topics like the effects of climate change on pollinators, the best trees to plant for recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, and exciting updates on the Asheville Butterfly Trail. Each presentation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.
Come early to explore exhibitor tables filled with resources, tips, and tools to make your garden, neighborhood, or community a haven for pollinators. Grab a bite or a beverage, connect with like-minded attendees, and soak up the buzz of excitement.
Pollinators are more than just insects; they’re the foundation of ecosystems and essential to our survival. Yet, nearly half of them are at risk of extinction. That’s why Bee City USA, founded here in Asheville, has grown to a nationwide movement of 426 affiliates, all dedicated to safeguarding these vital creatures.
This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action, a chance to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.
So, whether you’re passionate about gardening, fascinated by biodiversity, or simply curious about how to help, this is your opportunity to join the movement. Together, let’s create a world where pollinators—and all life—can thrive.
Doors open at 12 PM for lunch and networking. The program begins at 1 PM.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary
8 silk brocades qi gong workshop is open to all levels. Each movement in this set of 8 represents our ancestry, epigenetics, and destiny. Learn all 8 exercises or drop in for just a few. Stance training, posture and meditative movements for your health. It’s a super sophisticated qi gong form but simple to learn. I would love to invite anyone who’s new to internal martial arts or is simply searching for more comfortable safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ plus. The class will be offered in person at Shaolin kung fu in West Asheville starting on Feb 16 on Sundays at 10am for six weeks. Suggested donation for each class but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
8 silk brocades qi gong workshop is open to all levels. Each movement in this set of 8 represents our ancestry, epigenetics, and destiny. Learn all 8 exercises or drop in for just a few. Stance training, posture and meditative movements for your health. It’s a super sophisticated qi gong form but simple to learn. I would love to invite anyone who’s new to internal martial arts or is simply searching for more comfortable safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ plus. The class will be offered in person at Shaolin kung fu in West Asheville starting on Feb 16 on Sundays at 10am for six weeks. Suggested donation for each class but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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.
Join at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 1 for the Friends of the Black Mountain Library March Madness Book Sale. We’ll provide a bag that you can fill with adult books for $5. Children’s books are 4/$1, puzzles are $2, and antique books are priced as marked. The sale ends at 1 p.m. Members of the Friends of the Black Mountain Library can shop early at 9:30 a.m.
8 silk brocades qi gong workshop is open to all levels. Each movement in this set of 8 represents our ancestry, epigenetics, and destiny. Learn all 8 exercises or drop in for just a few. Stance training, posture and meditative movements for your health. It’s a super sophisticated qi gong form but simple to learn. I would love to invite anyone who’s new to internal martial arts or is simply searching for more comfortable safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ plus. The class will be offered in person at Shaolin kung fu in West Asheville starting on Feb 16 on Sundays at 10am for six weeks. Suggested donation for each class but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.
Wortham Presents Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!
Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.
Join us on March 7th at the Memorial or via zoom for a special talk on F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
“Rich, glamorous and talented, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald were superstars of the Jazz Age. Although their writing left an indelible mark on American literature, their lives were wild, short and haunted by demons that eventually overcame them. In this talk we will explore the richness and tragedy of their lives and literary creations.”
Speaker Tom Hearron is President of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee, and currently offers courses at OLLI/UNC Asheville.
This is a hybrid event, offered in person at the Memorial and via zoom. To register for zoom, email [email protected] and a link will be sent ahead of time.
Hi Wire Biltmore Village is throwing a Mardi Gras bash you won’t want to miss! Join us on Saturday, March 8th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for a festive celebration filled with live music, themed cocktails, and plenty of good vibes.
Get ready to groove to the sounds of Commander Voodoo, serving up live jams that’ll have you dancing all afternoon. Sip on our brand-new Hurricane Sour—a party in a glass—and other themed cocktails, or enjoy your favorite Hi Wire beers.
Costumes are highly encouraged, so break out your beads, masks, and most colorful attire to get into the spirit of Mardi Gras! Whether you come with your krewe or fly solo, this is the place to be for a day of fun, flavor, and festivities