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.
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.
ASHEVILLE, NC! All Elite Wrestling rings in the new year with a very special episode of AEW Dynamite with Fight For The Fallen live from Harrah’s Cherokee Center, January 1st!
Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year.
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.
The Grey Eagle Presents Fierce Fitness Dance Fundraiser.
WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.
After an over 40 year career of weekly Celtic roots music radio broadcast including NPR’s Thistle and Shamrock, Asheville Sister Cities is excited that Fiona Ritchie will be traveling from Scotland to join us in-person to celebrate Burns Night and the bard of Scotland’s 266th birthday.
Proceeds raised from sponsorships and our 2025 Burns Night Fundraiser charity auction and raffle will be contributed toward regional hurricane disaster relief. Proceeds from ticket sales will be contributed toward the Thistle and Shamrock CD archive project at UNCA.
Entertainment includes piper Alex Stewart, fiddler Andrew Finn Magill, and dancers from the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance.
Burns Night Seminar will be co-hosted by Fiona Ritchie during cash bar reception with complimentary warm Scottish appetizers.
Optional Whisky Tasting will be hosted by Highland Brewing’s Oscar Wong.
Event includes a full traditional Burns Night ceremony, three course dinner with selection of main course, and wee drams of single-male Scotch Whisky to toast the haggis.
URLs:
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2789424-0?pid=10412
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2789424-2?pid=10412
Price:
General Admission: USD 135.00
Category: Community | Fundraisers | Charities
Date and Time: 25th January 2025 at 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Venue details: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore, 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, North Carolina, 28803, United States
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
French Broad River Academy (FBRA) invites you to a screening of the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF), a curated selection of adventure-based short films that celebrate the power, strength, and determination of women in the great outdoors. The films highlight inspiring stories of female adventurers from around the world, and are tailored for student and family viewing. The event is open to the public.
The evening starts at 5:30 pm with a panel discussion by Asheville-area community outdoor adventure enthusiasts, followed by screening of the short films at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per person, available for purchase in advance at https://www.fbra-avl.org/no-mans-land/ or at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit FBRA and the school’s outdoor programming for students.
ABOUT NMLFF: Founded in 2015 in response to the lack of women-representation in the broader outdoor media, the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF) has grown to become the premier adventure film festival for women and gender non-conforming athletes, storytellers, and filmmakers. Learn more: https://nomanslandfilmfestival.org/
ABOUT FBRA: French Broad River Academy (FBRA) is an independent middle school (grades 6-8) in Asheville, NC, with dual riverfront programs for boys and girls. We integrate rigorous academics with outdoor adventure, service learning, and international travel to help our students become confident, compassionate leaders, ready to take on the world. Learn more about FBRA: fbra-avl.org
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.
Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.
A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.
Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.
A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.
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!
Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.
A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.
Show off your chocolate cake baking skills this February!
Enter the Friends of the Enka-Candler Library
Love Your Library Chocolate Contest
on Sun. Feb. 9th 2025
Bring your cakes at 2pm to Griff’s Kitchen & Bar
at 1390 Sand Hill Rd. in Candler
$5 to enter a cake.
~We’re giving prizes to 1st, 2nd, 3rd places~
All are invited!
Public sampling at 4pm for $10/head
Questions? Email [email protected]
The North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund will support long-term recovery and unmet needs in western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene in the months to come.
With the money from the fund, NCCF will provide grants in the months and years ahead to eligible organizations in affected communities. Fundraising began immediately after the storm and the first grants will be awarded in early 2025.
Donations can be made at nccommunityfoundation.org/DisasterFund or by mailing a check to NCCF at 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612. Write “Disaster Relief” on the memo line of your check. Ages 18+
This Valentine’s Day, show your love for Asheville and bid on art recovered from Hurricane Helene.
Tyger Tyger Gallery is hosting a special silent auction on Valentine’s Day of flood-damaged, salvaged and new art by our gallery artists who have generously donated their work to benefit BeLoved Asheville.
Join us on February 14th in Biltmore Village at 8 London Road for a magical evening of connection and community, and collect original art for a cause. We invite you to bring a new sweetie or longtime beloved and support BeLoved Asheville for a memorable date night… or come solo and meet like-minded art lovers! Take home a piece of history and be a part of Asheville’s recovery.
Music by local duo DJ XO SARII. Drinks donated by our friends at Burial Beer Co.
Free street parking.
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.
Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.
A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.
Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.
A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.
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.
Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.
A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.
WNCAP (Western North Carolina AIDS Project) Dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care and disease prevention.
WNCAP needs volunteers for the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning Food Box Delivery: 10am-noon. Ride with another team member and deliver pre-packed boxes of food to home-bound, food insecure families living in the Asheville/ Buncombe area. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds, good driving record, and confidentiality. More info at [email protected] , 828-252-7489 ext. 315.
The 50th Southern Finals Rodeo will be held February 21-23, 2025 (3 performances) in Asheville NC (Fletcher) at the WNC Agricultural Center.
Kiddos are expensive! Their stuff doesn’t have to be! Shop for your entire season’s worth of clothing and toys all in one place with Wee Trade! You are certain to find exactly what your are looking for!
Thursday, February 27 from 9am-3pm
Food Connection and Loving Food Resources are collaborating to bring you a one-of-a-kind fundraiser! Brunk Auction House will be offering their appraisal services for $15/item or $40 for 3 items!
Choose the hour time slot that works best for you and bring in family heirlooms, high-valued finds, and other antiques to be appraised by the professionals! All proceeds from tickets sales go to Food Connection and Loving Food Resources and participants may have the option to consign their items through the auction house and make some money themselves!
BRUNK AUCTIONS – 117 Tunnel Rd, Asheville
Brunk is a private auction house specializing in the sale of fine art, jewelry, Asian art, antique furniture, coins, and countless other areas of collecting – ranging from Contemporary Art to Antiquities. Excellence in connoisseurship is the hallmark of our specialist staff. Consistent and thoughtful client service is the foundation of our 40 years in business.
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.
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.
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.
In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.