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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.
Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] 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.
Leave what you think you know about hip-hop at the door: This suite of works is designed to challenge popular perceptions of street dance — shaking the art form at its foundations to reveal the complex narratives and artistic ingenuity at its core. One of the most respected hip-hop choreographers in the country, Rennie Harris leads his company into a progressive new era of dance in “Nuttin’ But A Word,” where individuality, creativity and innovation reign supreme.
Coinciding with Rennie Harris Puremovement’s Asheville performances, Wortham Center Artist-in-Residence Otto Vazquez will host hip-hop dance classes in the performing arts complex’s Henry LaBrun Studio. Joining Harris to lead pre-show discussions on Jan. 17 and 18, Vazquez is a prolific street dancer, choreographer, filmmaker and educator. This season, he partners with the Wortham Center to offer education and community engagement programs and to present events through his production company, Nu Paradigm. ovazquez.net
Connect with the art and artists in classes and pre-show discussions.
Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.: Hip-hop dance pop-up class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
Jan. 17 & 18 at 7 p.m.: Rennie Harris and Otto Vazquez lead pre-show discussions
Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.: Street Dance & Hip-Hop Master Class with Rennie Harris Puremovement company dancers
Feb. 4–March 25 at 7 p.m.: 8-week hip-hop class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
Leave what you think you know about hip-hop at the door: This suite of works is designed to challenge popular perceptions of street dance — shaking the art form at its foundations to reveal the complex narratives and artistic ingenuity at its core. One of the most respected hip-hop choreographers in the country, Rennie Harris leads his company into a progressive new era of dance in “Nuttin’ But A Word,” where individuality, creativity and innovation reign supreme.
Coinciding with Rennie Harris Puremovement’s Asheville performances, Wortham Center Artist-in-Residence Otto Vazquez will host hip-hop dance classes in the performing arts complex’s Henry LaBrun Studio. Joining Harris to lead pre-show discussions on Jan. 17 and 18, Vazquez is a prolific street dancer, choreographer, filmmaker and educator. This season, he partners with the Wortham Center to offer education and community engagement programs and to present events through his production company, Nu Paradigm. ovazquez.net
Connect with the art and artists in classes and pre-show discussions.
Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.: Hip-hop dance pop-up class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
Jan. 17 & 18 at 7 p.m.: Rennie Harris and Otto Vazquez lead pre-show discussions
Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.: Street Dance & Hip-Hop Master Class with Rennie Harris Puremovement company dancers
Feb. 4–March 25 at 7 p.m.: 8-week hip-hop class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
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 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!
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
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.
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.
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.
人の力 “Hito no Chikara” — The Power of Human Strength
Take a thrilling, high-energy ride through centuries of Japanese tradition, where heart-thumping rhythms explode from a dizzying display of more than 40 Taiko drums. The power of human strength, tenacity and sheer endurance lie at the heart of this new program, which challenges the influence of artificial intelligence on art. Back by popular demand, this troupe’s explosively percussive performances evoke “the pulse of the gods” (Neue Presse, Hanover, Germany) to prove there’s no substitute for the fire of the human spirit.
$65; Child (15 yrs. old and under) $22
人の力 “Hito no Chikara” — The Power of Human Strength
Take a thrilling, high-energy ride through centuries of Japanese tradition, where heart-thumping rhythms explode from a dizzying display of more than 40 Taiko drums. The power of human strength, tenacity and sheer endurance lie at the heart of this new program, which challenges the influence of artificial intelligence on art. Back by popular demand, this troupe’s explosively percussive performances evoke “the pulse of the gods” (Neue Presse, Hanover, Germany) to prove there’s no substitute for the fire of the human spirit.
$65; Child (15 yrs. old and under) $22
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.
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.
Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution — a journey from utter darkness to joy told with humor and unflinching honesty.
Connect with the artist in post-show discussions.
Join AMOS Educators in the STEAM Lab March 7th-9th as we explore the science of basketball. What does it take to make the perfect shot? How can investigating material science make us better players? Can dissecting a basketball improve our dribble?
Find out more in this month’s STEAM Lab theme- Fun and Games!
Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution — a journey from utter darkness to joy told with humor and unflinching honesty.
Connect with the artist in post-show discussions.