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 8th annual Highlands Food & Wine festival will feature world-class food from renowned local and regional chefs from across the Southeast and music from today’s top artists, as well as fine wine and spirits, specialty dinners and more. Tickets are on sale starting at $270 per person. All tickets include specialty plates from featured chefs, a selection of wines, craft beer, spirits and live music from headliners including Greensky Bluegrass, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Love Canon and Wilder Woods. Daily events include the popular Grand Tasting (Thursday, Nov. 7), Truckin’ (Friday, Nov. 8), Main Event (Friday, Nov. 9) and Sunday’s A Shot at Redemption brunch (Sunday, Nov. 10). For more information and ticket sales, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com
Hendersonville Theatre is a small theatre that welcomes actors, dancers, and singers of all experience levels. You don’t need any experience to audition. We host general auditions for our entire season at our theatre in Hendersonville, NC. We also accept video auditions.
Hendersonville Theatre roles are open to anyone ages 16 and over who lives throughout Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. All experience levels are welcome to audition. Our actors are compensated through audience donations, so we do not guarantee a stipend or provide housing, meals, or pay for rehearsals. However, we offer a warm, friendly, and creative environment where you can showcase your talents and feel appreciated for your contribution.
We encourage performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend our auditions.
Meet local authors and illustrators at the third annual Write Local, Read Local Fair! Drop-in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Authors will be selling and signing copies of their work throughout the library and author readings will occur during the afternoon. This event is FREE to the public and no purchase is necessary.
We thank the Friends of the Black Mountain Library for their generous support.
Note: Author slots for this year’s fair are full. If you’re interested in participating next year, please contact the library at [email protected].
Don’t miss out on this literary celebration—mark your calendar and support your local writers and illustrators!
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
KATHY SMITH BOWERS & LEE STOCKDALE as next 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 that occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month. 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 are available at the entrance.
Cathy Smith Bowers, a former Poet-Laureate of North Carolina, lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
KATHY SMITH BOWERS & LEE STOCKDALE as next 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 that occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month. 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 are available at the entrance.
Cathy Smith Bowers, a former Poet-Laureate of North Carolina, lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The original and best tattoo festival is back in Asheville once more for the Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival! Hosted by Villain Arts at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, this event will feature hundreds of tattoo artists, some from across the country, and a few from around the world, specializing in all different tattooing styles. Some artists you may already even know, like Anwon Boneface Johnson (Ink Master seasons 8, 9 & Grudge Match), Big Jaz (Ink Master season 12), or Charles Whitfield (VH1.) Attendees can enter their new or existing ink in tattoo competitions! Or shop among our numerous vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to oddities and more. The festival will also feature live entertainment, including sideshow acts and human suspension! There truly is something here for everyone to enjoy. So, don’t delay! Join the fun and get some ink this weekend at the Fifth Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival!
Event Hours by Day:
Friday 15th 2pm-11pm
Saturday 16th 11am-11pm
Sunday 17th 11am-8pm
Tickets:
$25 for a 1-day pass
$50 for a 3-day pass
Free admission for children under 12
Dark City Poets Society Feedback Circle is canceled since Tuesday, November 5 falls on Election Day (go vote!), but Open Mic Poetry Night will be held on the third Tuesday, 11/19, from 6:00-7:30pm at Oak & Grist!
It may be difficult to put this past month into words, so if you currently don’t have anything to share, that is completely fine. Please know it is also okay and understandable to not be quite ready to hear poetry related to the hurricane. Just know we’ll be here whenever the time feels right for you.
As usual, signups to share will begin at 5:45 p.m. Instead of donating a portion of the drink sales to Friends of the Black Mountain Library, all proceeds will go back to supporting Oak & Grist.
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Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.
The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!
Asheville, NC — This year, Asheville’s Annual Holiday Parade will take on a fresh twist as it transforms into a vibrant Holiday Jamboree at Pack Square Park, presented by Bojangles! Produced by the Asheville Downtown Association in partnership with the City of Asheville, the Jamboree is a family-friendly celebration of holiday cheer and community spirit, happening on Saturday, November 23.
The Holiday Jamboree will bring the community together with crafts, games, and fun activities for all ages. Stroll through the festive Holiday Market, featuring local artists and retailers, and savor delicious food and drink from popular food trucks and beverage vendors. Santa himself will be on-site for free photos, thanks to the NC Arboretum, and families can enjoy lively performances from local bands, school groups, and dance troupes on the Pack Square stage.
Holiday Jamboree Highlights
11 AM – 3 PM Festive performances from community groups on the Pack Square stage
11 AM – 3 PM Free photos with Santa, sponsored by NC Arboretum
11 AM – 5 PM Holiday Market featuring unique gifts, crafts, and goodies
DJ Phantom Pantone keeping the holiday spirit alive with great tunes, courtesy of AVL Free Events
U LEAF STAGE Performances by local musicians all day at Pack Square Plaza
Plus, the Holiday Jamboree offers an opportunity to celebrate Asheville’s local heroes. Mayor Esther Manheimer will serve as Grand Marshal, honoring our city’s first responders, civil servants, and volunteers who have shown incredible dedication to the community.
Get Involved!
This joyful event invites everyone to experience the magic of the season in downtown Asheville. Those interested in participating as vendors or sponsors are welcome to visit ashevilledowntown.org for more information.
Celebrate the Holidays Together
Bring your family and friends to Pack Square Park for a day filled with food, fun, and holiday spirit. We can’t wait to see you on November 23 for the Holiday Jamboree!
Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.
Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.
Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!
Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.
Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!
Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.
Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!
Fletcher Park will have Christmas vendors, Santa Claus, Horse Carriage rides, and live music, food trucks, and more!
Race against the best in Burton Street’s 4th Puzzle Palooza! Find a friend as teams of 2 will compete to be the first to complete a 300 piece puzzle. Winners receive a prize! All participants get to take home their puzzle. REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR JUST ONE TEAM MEMBER. Space is limited to 8 teams. Ages 10+. Arrive between 1-1:30pm. Competition starts promptly at 1:30pm! $5/team. Light refreshments provided. Contact information: Mere Heil (828) 507-9003
From holiday spirits to festive brews, revel in the merry-making with drink specials designed to warm your heart and ignite holiday cheer. Whether you’re Santa, an elf, or any other holiday character, make this night an epic adventure with friends old and new.
What’s Included With Your Bar Crawl Ticket?
OVER 4+ VENUES!
WAIVED COVER FEES!
JOIN THE MERRIEST BAR CRAWL EVER!
GENEROUSLY LOW DRINK SPECIALS!
FREE AFTER PARTY!
LIVE DJ AT SELECT VENUES!
TAG US FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED ON OUR SOCIALS
HUNDREDS OF SANTAS!
Don’t miss out on this epic event! Grab your tickets now and let’s make memories together.
Free Tickets Galore!
Want to experience the festive fun on the house? You can earn 2 free tickets by spreading the word! Simply invite your Facebook friends to the event and shoot us a message with the magic words “Free tickets” at https://www.messenger.com/t/pubcrawlsusa. It’s that easy! Limited time offer so hurry before it expires December 1st!
Event Information Cancellations, Refunds, and Event Guidelines
Event Guidelines: As you prepare for this exciting adventure, please remember to drink responsibly. Our event is all about enjoying the moment, but safety is paramount. Never drink and drive – let’s keep the roads as safe as our party! If you have any questions or need more information, be sure to check out our FAQs page at https://pubcrawls.com/faq/. We’ve got answers to all your queries.
Contact Us: Our dedicated customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries. Whether it’s regarding tickets, event details, or anything else, we’re here to help. Your questions are important to us, and we guarantee prompt responses. Contact us via email at [email protected]. Visit www.pubcrawls.com for more information and exclusive discounts.
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.
Group Rate :: 4 Single Santas Check In 1pm-4pm: USD 10.99,
General Admission :: Check In 1pm-4pm: USD 19.99
Urban Orchard Cider Co., 24 Buxton Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, United States
Join Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company for a night of spoken word. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause. The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
Sign-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.
The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!
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 Friday we’ll be having a cozy movie night in the gallery featuring some amazing foreign films curated by our very own film-buff Carlos Steward!
The movie starts at 7PM sharp; B.Y.O. snacks/drinks!
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)!
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.