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.
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.
Explore Asheville with the whole family!
Age Restrictions
All Ages Welcome!
(Content is geared towards ages 5-12 years old)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.
Duration
60 Minutes
What’s Included
Crazy funny guide
Off-bus characters
Fun facts about Asheville
Age-appropriate jokes
About
Now’s your chance to bring the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoom’s Kids’ Comedy tour features a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically towards the 5-12 year old crowd, you’ll learn about our city’s history and see the sights in true LaZoom style – complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits, and all sorts of special appearances! Perfect for birthday parties or school field trips, it’s the best thing to do with your kids in Asheville. It’s a show on wheels!
The tour is 60 minutes long and includes no stops. The tour is hosted by a zany tour guide, and along the way other characters will hop on the bus and perform kid-centric sketches (Candy Pirate, Ninja, and a Levitator) The tour is not only fun – it’s educational! Kids and adults will learn new and interesting facts about Asheville along the way. There must be 1 adult for every 4 children. We do not allow any unaccompanied children. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.
Waitlist
If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.
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
Join us every Thursday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm for music, poetry, comedy and stories performed by our favorite local artists! Feel free to bring your own food/drinks or anything you’d like to share!
Sign up begins at 6pm, show begins at 6:30pm. Each performer will have twelve minutes, and the show is always livestreamed on our Facebook account.
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.
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.
Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall, two legends of late-night television, bring their unparalleled charisma and humor to the stage. Jay Leno, renowned for his two-decade reign as the host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” continues to captivate audiences with his CNBC primetime series “Jay Leno’s Garage.” This show, now in its seventh season, delves into the fascinating world of cars, intertwining automotive passion with compelling human stories. Leno’s extensive career also includes hosting the comedy game show “You Bet Your Life,” performing over 100 stand-up shows annually, and authoring best-selling children’s books.
Comedy Night Fundraiser At Lookout Brewing!!!
On Friday January 17th Neon Moon Comedy and Lookout Brewing Company present A Comedy Night Fundraiser
With Headliner Paul Snyder (As seen on Drybar Comedy)
Featuring Ryan Cox and Chris Diorio (as seen on KillTony)
With Special Guests Sarah Love and Leslie Ann Thompson
Hosted by Chris Gullo (As seen in movies on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi)
Show starts at 7pm at Lookout Brewing in Black Mountain, NC
Admission is pay what you can and all admission proceeds will go toward a family in need effected by Hurricane Helene
Lookout Brewing is located at S Ridgeway Ave #1, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Come on out for a fantastic night of laughs for a great cause
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
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
Headliner Greg Morton
At age 16, Greg Morton got first job at a local department store, as a P.A. announcer. That same voice that grabbed the attention of shoppers, recently wowed judges, on the season 14 premier of America’s Got Talent. Howie Mandel said, “I can’t believe there isn’t a banner with your name on it in Vegas,” and called him a one-man variety show!
After 35 years of entertaining audiences worldwide, opening for Celine Dion, Harry Connick Jr. and Luther Vandross at Radio City Music Hall – appearing on Just for Laughs, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Comic’s Unleashed, and his own Dry Bar Comedy Special, he’s here to perform for you tonight.
Ladies and gentlemen, Greg Morton!
The Comedy Zone – Greg Morton
Friday & Saturday, January 24 & 25, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
Headliner Greg Morton
At age 16, Greg Morton got first job at a local department store, as a P.A. announcer. That same voice that grabbed the attention of shoppers, recently wowed judges, on the season 14 premier of America’s Got Talent. Howie Mandel said, “I can’t believe there isn’t a banner with your name on it in Vegas,” and called him a one-man variety show!
The Comedy Zone – Greg Morton
Friday & Saturday, January 24 & 25, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
Grey Eagle Events and Asheville Vaudeville Present Asheville Vaudeville.
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.
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
Acclaimed comedian, actor and producer Joe Gatto—best known for the hit television shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index”—is extending his Let’s Get Into It tour featuring all new material into 2025! Tickets for his 2025 dates are available via artist presale and local presales on Sept 5 at 10 A.M. local time and tickets go on sale to the public on Sept 6 at 10 A.M. local time. Tickets for all shows as well as post-show meet & greets will be available. More shows to be announced shortly. Comedian Mark Jigarjian will be on tour.
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.
A quick glance of Jeff Dunham’s childhood photos reveals the milestones of youth—birthdays, graduations, awkward first dates… very awkward first dates. Nothing unusual – except for the fact that in almost every photo, he’s joined by a dummy seated on his lap. Literally.
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
Montford Rooftop Bar and Blind Date Live are thrilled to bring you a Valentine’s Day filled with laughter, love, and a touch of playful chaos!
Join comedians Ryan Gordon and Cayla Clark for an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy, audience interaction (don’t worry, they’ll be gentle!), and enough sizzling romance to light up the Asheville skyline. PLUS! Enjoy retro cocktails, Valentine’s Day menu specials, throwback tunes, and more all night long.
Part comedy showcase, part interactive fun, this show promises to deliver big laughs and unique moments that will make your Valentine’s Day one to remember—whether you’re coupled up, flying solo, or somewhere in between. Come for the jokes, stay for the chemistry, and leave with a smile (and maybe some new inside jokes).
TWO COMEDY SHOWINGS: 6 PM & 9 PM
Reserve your spot now—seating is limited, and love waits for no one! Tickets do not include food or beverage. Portion of the proceeds will benefit local charity, Asheville Poverty Initiative.
TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tainted-love-comedy-show-hosted-by-cayla-clark-and-ryan-gordon-tickets-1200495497349?aff=oddtdtcreator
Comedian Martin Lawrence will take the stage at Bon Secours Wellness Arena this Valentine’s Day with special guests Benji Brown & Daphnique Springs.
Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open M-F 10AM-2PM.
Once again, Bertie finds himself suffering the slings and arrows of misfortune at the hands of his relatives, caught between his fierce Aunt Agatha, his plaintive cousin Egbert, a saucy jazz singer, and his future father-in-law. Another priceless predicament calling upon the redoubtable Jeeves to save the day.
Asheville Comedy Festival presents A WNC Benefit Show with comedian Rory Scovel and Friends. February 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
A WNC Benefit Show with comedian Rory Scovel and friends presented by Asheville Comedy Festival. Rory Scovel is an actor, comedian, and writer. His latest comedy special RORY SCOVEL: RELIGION, SEX, AND A FEW THINGS IN BETWEEN released in February, 2024 on MAX to rave reviews. Joining the lineup are local comedy sensations Hilliary Begley and Cayla Clark. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this hysterical event benefiting the local businesses of Asheville affected by Helene!
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.
Wortham Presents The Acting Company presents The Comedy of Errors
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Christina Anderson
Directed by Devin Brain
Friday, February 28, 2025 at 8 p.m.
In the Mediterranean city of Ephesus, two sets of identical twins — both separated from their other halves at birth — unknowingly cross paths, and chaos, mishaps and misunderstandings abound. Experience the joy and hilarity of one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, a slapstick comedy about mistaken identities, through a new and contemporary lens: a 21st century translation that reinterprets antiquated slang, metaphor and double entendre with updated jokes and clever, modern wordplay.
Connect with the art and artists in pre-show discussions.
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.