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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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)!
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – East Asheville
1st Tuesday monthly. 11:30am – 1pm, Suwana Asian Cuisine (https://www.suwanaasiancuisine.com), 45 Tunnel Rd., Asheville 28805
Meeting Leader:
Steve Jencks, Incredible Towns of WNC
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More https://www.bigfrog.com/asheville
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration https://pisgahroofingandrestoration.com
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – Candler
2nd Tuesday monthly. 11:30am – 1pm, Elena’s Mexican Grill (https://www.elenasmexicangrill.com), 101 Westridge Market Pl.
Meeting Leaders:
Cindy Pike – Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair – https://www.getliftedtireandalignment.com
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC – https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care – https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management – https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More – https://www.bigfrog.com/asheville
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration – https://pisgahroofingandrestoration.com
IBN Evening Social – A Networking Event You Won’t Want to Miss!
Date: Tuesday, January 14
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden (https://12bones.com/location/taproom/)
Why Should You Attend?
Free to Attend: No fees, no dues—just show up and enjoy!
No Membership or Requirements: No obligations, no restrictions—open to everyone!
Inclusive Environment: All industries and businesses are welcome.
Optional Purchases: Grab some food or a drink if you’d like!
What to Expect:
This is your opportunity to connect with local professionals, promote your business, and expand your referral network in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or part of a larger company, this event is perfect for making meaningful connections.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of business cards, flyers, or promotional materials to share with other attendees. Have a door prize to contribute? Feel free to bring one—it’s optional but always appreciated!
Don’t miss this chance to grow your business and build new relationships in the community. Invite your colleagues, friends, and business contacts to join in on the fun!
We’ll see you there!
Incredible Business Networking is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “RESET”. All Ages. Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm. $18.45.
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…
RESET: Prepare a five-minute story about a fresh start. Clean slates and wet paint. When the tide came in and the sandcastle returned to sand. Expunging your past reputation and going back to square one. Cutting bangs after the big breakup. Whether you changed your zip code, career, or outlook on life, tell us about a time you felt new. Tomorrow is another day.
Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales final. As many as 10 tickets may be available at the door for all of our StorySLAMs on a first-come, first-served basis.
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
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – Arden
3rd Tuesday Monthly, 11:30am-1pm, Wild Wing Cafe (https://www.wildwingcafe.com/location/asheville-south-nc), 65 Long Shoals Rd., Arden 28704
Meeting Leaders:
Mark and Cheryl Chambers of XP League (https://asheville.xpl.gg/home)
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
IBN Biz Lunch events are free to attend thanks to these companies, our Incredible Business Networking Sponsors!
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – West Asheville
4th Wednesday Monthly. 11:30am-1pm, Gemelli Restaurant (https://gemelli.restaurant/), 70 Westgate Parkway, Asheville 28806
Meeting Leaders:
Myriah Wood, Photographer
Nick Gomez, Mountain Vantage Properties (https://mvpwnc.com/)
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – Woodfin
4th Thursday monthly. 11:30am-1pm, The Village Porch (https://www.thevillageporch.com), 51 N. Merrimon Ave, Woodfin 28804
Meeting Leaders:
Diane Simmons, eXp Realty (https://www.dianesellsashevillehomes.com)
Joel Thum, Joel Thum CPA (https://www.thumcpa.com)
Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Prime Lending (https://lo.primelending.com/cfitzpatrick)
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Breakfast Club – West Asheville
4th Friday monthly. 9am – 10am, Regina’s Westside (https://reginaswestside.com), 1400 Patton Ave, Asheville.
Meeting Leaders:
Ana Hernandez and Jennifer McClellan, Savvy Post Marketing (https://www.savvypostmarketing.com)
Super Rob, The Super Signguy (https://www.thesupersignguy.com)
Why Attend IBN Breakfast Club?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
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
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.
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.
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
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]
Join Junior League of Asheville members at their favorite event of the year – Galentine’s at Crave Dessert Bar. Enjoy a dessert and meet like minded women who make an impact in WNC. Sparked with Love will be onsite with permanent jewelry for sale!
Attire: casual
EAT THE RICH. We believe life’s best moments are often centered around the best food and drink experiences. Whether you briefly pop in for a farm -to-go- cocktail & decadent dessert, prefer to linger over a shareable savory plate & hookah, we invite you to get lost in the conversation and enjoy the moment.
Join the Chamber for Midday Mingle at Rye Knot next Wednesday, February 19th, from 12 – 1:30 PM to connect and support the businesses that make Asheville strong! This lunch gathering is all about coming together to share stories, build our connections, and show our support for local restaurants and breweries.
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.
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 2025 McDowell County Republican Convention will take place on Saturday, March 1,
2025, at the historic Marion Train Depot (45 Depot Street, Marion, NC).
This event is your chance to actively engage in the political process here at home, across the
state, and even nationally. Gather with like-minded conservatives and join the movement to
make a tangible impact on elections. Mark your calendar and join us!