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.
The Grey Eagle Presents Fierce Fitness Dance Fundraiser.
Join Amy Fahmy to understand the planting design principles that she has found most useful in 30 years of residential garden design experience. For both novice and experienced gardeners this class is about placing and growing plants for the most eye-catching effect. You’ll leave class knowing what to buy, and where to plant to transform your existing garden! Jan 25, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00. $20.00. Class limit 40.
Join us at Soprana Rooftop Cucina for a prefixe menu special. The opportunity to try favorite salads, pizzettes and deserts all for $30 – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Soprana Rooftop Cucina is open Monday – Thursday from 5pm-10pm; Friday – Sunday from 12pm-10pm. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown (192 Haywood Street). For more information and upcoming events, visit www.sopranarooftop.com and follow on Instagram @SopranaRooftop. Enjoy complimentary parking during your stay. To book your reservation, call 828.333.7006.
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.
Join us at Soprana Rooftop Cucina for a prefixe menu special. The opportunity to try favorite salads, pizzettes and deserts all for $30 – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Soprana Rooftop Cucina is open Monday – Thursday from 5pm-10pm; Friday – Sunday from 12pm-10pm. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown (192 Haywood Street). For more information and upcoming events, visit www.sopranarooftop.com and follow on Instagram @SopranaRooftop. Enjoy complimentary parking during your stay. To book your reservation, call 828.333.7006.
Join us for a spore-tacular time at the Mountain Mushrooms Workshop! We’ll teach you the fun-gamentals—it’s quite the ‘fun-guy’ activity! We’ll also explore the best wild mushrooms to forage in the forest, making sure you’re not in truffle when identifying them. This class is perfect for beginners and seasoned mycophiles alike. Don’t miss out on this morel of a good time!
January 28, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
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
Pruning is a crucial practice for promoting the health, productivity, and aesthetics of your plants and landscapes. Join us at Bullington Gardens for an informative and hands-on class led by horticulture expert John Murphy. In this course, you will learn essential pruning techniques that can help control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain the beauty of your garden. The class will include a walk and demonstration in the gardens.
John Murphy will guide you through the basics of pruning, including the best times to prune different types of plants, proper tools and their maintenance, and step-by-step methods for achieving optimal plant health and appearance. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best pruning decisions for your garden. Questions and Answer session included.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your horticultural skills and ensure your plants thrive.
February 1, 2025, 2-4pm.
Asheville, are you ready to heat things up? Blind Date Live is back on February 7th—and this time, we’re moving to a new home, The Orange Peel! Get ready for a night where love is unscripted, unfiltered, and more than a little unpredictable.
Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or just there to see sparks fly, this is your chance to witness true love unfold in real time. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and we’re kicking things off with a sultry mixer from 7-8 PM to set the mood. Slip into the crowd, grab a drink, and who knows—you might just lock eyes with someone special. Or… maybe they’re just looking for the bathroom. How about that one? Oh, nope, they’re waving to their friend behind you. Awkward.
Then, at 8 PM, the real fun begins. Hosted by Donnie Rex Bishop and Cayla Clark, watch as real Asheville singles dive headfirst into live first dates onstage. Meanwhile, the fabulous Toni Brown will be our maître d’, making sure everything runs smoothly, and DJ Lil Meow Meow will be spinning tunes to keep the energy going all night long.
This isn’t just another night out. It’s steamy, unpredictable, and full of moments you’ll never forget (and a few you might wish you could). Whether you’re here to watch romance bloom, relish in the awkward moments, or just soak up the perversion, Blind Date Live has you covered.
Bike Love ’25 @ Eulogy is Asheville on Bikes’ annual fundraiser.
Whether you ride or just love a great party, Bike Love ’25 is where music, community, and high-energy vibes come together. Bring your crew, hit the dance floor, and celebrate the joy of movement—on and off the bike!
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
You’ve visited famous gardens and gone on amazing residential garden tours. Remember that sense of magic – like stepping into another world? How did they do it? Join Amy Fahmy to learn how she builds the structure of a residential garden using time honored techniques from the world’s great gardens. With 30 years of experience in renovating old gardens, and designing and building new residential gardens, Amy will share how she listens to clients, identifies priorities and sets affordable goals. Leave with specific ideas for the changes you know will fit your own garden!
Bio:
Amy is a licensed landscape architect with extensive horticultural knowledge. She has gardened for Plant Delights Nursery, Richmond Hill Inn and The Biltmore Estate. She is a certified professional plantsman, a certified permaculture designer, and a registered Landscape Contractor with 30 years of hands-on gardening experience. For the last 12 years she has managed a wide range of fine garden design commissions at Sitework Studios Landscape Architecture Studio in Asheville. She is currently transforming her own garden to include more native plants, and she is attempting to live exclusively off her own vegetable garden
Feb 8, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00pm. $20.00. Class limit 40.
On The Inside Lingerie is back on Haywood Road for another pop-up at Clad! We had so much fun last time that we had to do it again, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Come on by and shop your favorite On The Inside pieces with Elise on Sat Feb 8th from 11-6 + Sun Feb 9th from 12-5. I will have a wide variety for you to try on in store and purchase, and lots of pieces perfect for Valentine’s Day :)
Plus there’ll be bubbly to sip on and tasty chocolates for your sweet tooth. Come on by, it would be great to see you! Clad is located at 797 Haywood Rd, West Asheville’s awesome intentional attire shop.
Maintaining the Biodiversity of the Mountains – planting native, removing invasives, restoring habitat and using environmentally friendly landscape management practices.
Western North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately, development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many of the landscape methods that we utilize have negative environmental repercussions. We can do better.
In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.
By making simple changes, such as choosing native over exotic plants and removing invasive plants, we can begin to restore habitat at home, at our businesses and throughout the region.
By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.
Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better!
February 11, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a scenic train ride along the picturesque Tuckasegee River. Departing at 6:00 PM from Bryson City, our journey will take you through the enchanting 836-foot-long tunnel before returning at approximately 9:00 PM. Indulge in a chef-prepared three-course meal featuring a Caesar salad, your choice of 8 oz. prime rib or Norwegian salmon with seasonal sides, or a vegetarian option of balsamic glazed grilled Portobello eggplant over quinoa. Conclude your meal with a decadent chocolate mini mousse and a complimentary glass of champagne in a souvenir stemless wineglass. Each guest will also receive a rose to commemorate this special evening. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience!
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.
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!
WNC Dance Repertory Benefit Showcase February 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
WNC Dance Academy presents our annual winter benefit concert featuring the WNC Dance Repertory Company and Stewart/Owen Dance. All proceeds go to benefit Stewart/Owen Dance and their goal to enrich the community of Western North Carolina with education, promotion, and creation of contemporary dance by building a sustainable ecosystem where professional dance artists can thrive.
This 75-minute production tells the story of a character who has lost her inner light, plunging into a wondrous and surreal world where memories come to life and the ordinary becomes ‘extra’ordinary. With over 8 breathtaking acrobatic acts, “Solstice” combines light design, costumes, enchanting music, surreal scenery, and the magic of falling snow to create this celebration of the human spirit. A blend of local and national artists comprise the cast of seven.
Experience America’s most popular dance company when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the stage. In this season celebrating lineage and legacy, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will perform the beloved masterpiece Revelations and will bring to life works by numerous choreographers for whom Mr. Ailey paved the way, reminding us that dance is both a reflection of our past and a guide to our future.
Experience America’s most popular dance company when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the stage. In this season celebrating lineage and legacy, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will perform the beloved masterpiece Revelations and will bring to life works by numerous choreographers for whom Mr. Ailey paved the way, reminding us that dance is both a reflection of our past and a guide to our future.
Expect the Unexpected.
Rouge features daring aerial acts, thrilling acrobatics and poetic dance that cannot be missed. The Madame of Ceremonies, Rachel Houdek, is your guide for a mesmerizing good time that holds audiences spellbound. Rouge is the perfect event for a date night or night out with friends.
Mark your calendars & don’t miss PLANT BAR PRESENTS, an evening of high vibes, immersive energy & community on February 21st at Plant Bar Asheville. Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of Asheville’s hottest local DJ’s, sip endless tea, try a relaxing or invigorating zero-proof botanical elixir, enjoy local healthy food and take in the vibes with old & new friends.
Date: Friday, 2/21/25
Time: 6:00 -10:30 PM
Music: Live DJ’s
Haus Maus – 6:45 – 7:45 PM
Hunter The Gatherer – 8-10PM
Food:
Habibi Village – Organic, gluten-free Lebanese food
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
Cheer & Dance Competition on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at ExploreAsheville.com Arena. Doors open at 7am. Event is 8:00am – 9:30pm. TICKET PRICES $20 at the door only.
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
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.
As people all over the country start to grow their own gardens, plant prices continue to rise. These price increases quickly add up when growing your own garden. Starting your own seeds is a much more economical way to grow a large number of plants. Believe it or not many plants also do better when you grow them from a seed. Starting seeds can seem like a very scary task but it doesn’t have to be. Join our education coordinator, Isaac Wyatt, for a course all about starting your own seeds. From what you need to get started to how to get your seedlings in the garden.
*We will also have a selection of seeds to trade. Please feel free to bring any seeds you may be interested in trading!
March 4th, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm. Fee: $20.00.