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.

Saturday, December 28, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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
Dec 28 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Sunday, December 29, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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
Dec 29 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Monday, December 30, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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
Dec 30 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Rookie Readers
Dec 30 @ 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Southside Center

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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 31 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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
Dec 31 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Sunday, January 5, 2025
New Year Serenity Sound Bath
Jan 5 @ 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Start your New Year off with self love by immersing in the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 1:00 PM, doors close promptly at 1:15 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis.(Suggested Value $25) Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Brian Regan Live
Jan 8 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

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.

Thursday, January 9, 2025
Blood Drive
Jan 9 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
AdventHealth

Blood Drive at AdventHealth Hendersonville

Thursday, January 9 | 10 am to 3 pm

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville

Look for The Blood Connection Mobile Donor Unit near the Valet parking lot.

All donors will receive $40 in rewards!

To make an appointment, visit thebloodconnection.org and search for the Sponsor Code 23AC.

Sunday, January 19, 2025
Serenity Sound Bath
Jan 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Center your mind, body and spirit with a soothing Sound Bath!

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Thursday, January 23, 2025
Our Voice
Jan 23 @ 6:00 am
Hampton Inn Hotel and Suites
Our Voice, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking, invites the community to participate in a series of free educational events in Buncombe, McDowell, and Transylvania Counties. This event is designed to empower participants with knowledge and tools to identify and respond to human trafficking in our region.
Attendees will gain:
An understanding of what human trafficking looks like in WNC.
Insights into red flags that may indicate trafficking situations.
Knowledge about traffickers and the vulnerabilities they exploit.
Information on resources and organizations available to help in our region.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Fascia Decompression with Block Therapy
Jan 25 all-day
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the pelvis and legs. We will be learning how to improve posture from the foundation up, releasing tension and creating flow.

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.

Factors like poor posture, repetitive movements, gravity, surgery, injury, and shallow chest breathing can compress and wind down the body. Adhesions form to support posture but can restrict blood and oxygen flow, impair detoxification, and cause inflammation and chronic pain.

By releasing fascia, the free flow of blood, oxygen, and life force energy is enabled to previously deprived areas of the body. Fascia not only holds physical tension but also stores trauma and negative emotions. This is a great practice for somatic experiencing, increasing range of motion, and creating freedom in the body.

Block Therapy effectively peels away layers of tension stored in the body over time, promoting self-healing and enhancing quality of life, detoxifying mind, body, and soul.

This is a great class for anyone aiming to improve posture, lymphatic cleansing, experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, athletes, or looking to improve overall health and aesthetics as Block Therapy has amazing anti-aging benefits.

We use a rolled-up towel to begin as this process of unwinding takes time and can cause detoxification symptoms. If you feel like you will need more, you can preorder a block for the workshops with this referral link https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/starterprogram/Renataosorio/ this includes a block buddy and 9 day starter package with daily videos to enhance your practice.

Fierce Fitness Dance Fundraiser
Jan 25 @ 10:00 am
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle Presents Fierce Fitness Dance Fundraiser.

All Ages
Saturday, January 25
Doors: 9am // Show: 10am
$29.25
Uphora Dance Fitness is hosting an epic dance fitness fundraiser featuring Fierce Fitness Ty, renowned hip hop and fitness instructor from Orlando. Ty is joined by a stellar line up of dance fitness instructors from all over the region for 90 minutes of nonstop dancing to the latest songs with fierce moves and lit energy. 100% of proceeds from this event will be donated to WNC Hurricane Recovery through Operation Dance, Uphora’s charitable initiative. Get your ticket and invite your friends–don’t miss this opportunity to dance it out, feel empowered, and
Thursday, January 30, 2025
No Man’s Land Film Festival coming to French Broad River Academy
Jan 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy-North Campus

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

Saturday, February 1, 2025
Block Therapy for Chronic Pain
Feb 1 all-day
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the shoulders, arms and head. We will be releasing tension and creating flow.

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.

Factors like poor posture, repetitive movements, gravity, surgery, injury, and shallow chest breathing can compress and wind down the body. Adhesions form to support posture but can restrict blood and oxygen flow, impair detoxification, and cause inflammation and chronic pain.

By releasing fascia, the free flow of blood, oxygen, and life force energy is enabled to previously deprived areas of the body. Fascia not only holds physical tension but also stores trauma and negative emotions. This is a great practice for somatic experiencing, increasing range of motion, and creating freedom in the body.

Block Therapy effectively peels away layers of tension stored in the body over time, promoting self-healing and enhancing quality of life, detoxifying mind, body, and soul.

This is a great class for anyone aiming to improve posture, lymphatic cleansing, experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, athletes, or looking to improve overall health and aesthetics as Block Therapy has amazing anti-aging benefits.

We use a rolled-up towel to begin as this process of unwinding takes time and can cause detoxification symptoms. If you feel like you will need more, you can preorder a block for the workshops with this referral link https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/starterprogram/Renataosorio/ this includes a block buddy and 9 day starter package with daily videos to enhance your practice.

Sunday, February 2, 2025
Stars Servin’ Up Love
Feb 2 @ 10:00 am
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Stars Servin’ Up Love will welcome Andre AgassiAndy RoddickJessica PegulaEmma NavarroMichael KostaPete WentzJeff Probst, Esai Morales, and others to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, N.C. for its celebrity tennis Hurricane Helene benefit for Western North Carolina on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. 100% of net proceeds from the charity event (including direct donations from the event’s online auction and other opportunities) will be donated to local nonprofits including Always Asheville Fund, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and Asheville Tennis Association. Featured sponsors include Ingles Markets, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, and Ticketmaster. Presales through the United States Tennis Association and participating outlets begin on Monday, December 16 at 10:00 am ET, and public on-sale begins on Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 am ET. Tickets can be purchased at StarsServinUpLove.com.

Thursday, February 6, 2025
Billy Strings
Feb 6 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.

A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.

Friday, February 7, 2025
Billy Strings
Feb 7 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.

A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.

Blind Date Live
Feb 7 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

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.

There might be fireworks, there WILL be intense oversharing, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat through it all. Don’t worry, though—the audience is strictly there to watch. No participation required.

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.

Saturday, February 8, 2025
Bike Love ’25 @ Eulogy
Feb 8 all-day
Eulogy

Bike Love ’25 @ Eulogy is Asheville on Bikes’ annual fundraiser.

Whether you ride or just love a great party, Bike Love ’25 is where music, community, and high-energy vibes come together. Bring your crew, hit the dance floor, and celebrate the joy of movement—on and off the bike!

Chronic Pain? Fascia Decompression with Block Therapy for Breast and Lungs
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Happy Body

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.

Billy Strings
Feb 8 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.

A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter.

Sunday, February 9, 2025
Serenity Sound Bath
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Center for Spiritual Living Asheville

Now’s the time to release your stress and receive peace with a healing Sound Bath! Unwind as the sounds soothe & transform your mind, body and spirit.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences. (Retail value $25)

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
The Real Bonhoeffer: Theology for Faith In Times of Crisis
Feb 12 @ 6:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.

Joy Oladokun: The Blackbird Tour
Feb 12 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
A Benefit for the North Carolina Community Foundation. Joy is donating 100% of the proceeds from this performance to NCCF’s Disaster Relief Fund to help rebuild after the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene across Appalachia.

The North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund will support long-term recovery and unmet needs in western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene in the months to come.

With the money from the fund, NCCF will provide grants in the months and years ahead to eligible organizations in affected communities. Fundraising began immediately after the storm and the first grants will be awarded in early 2025.

Donations can be made at nccommunityfoundation.org/DisasterFund or by mailing a check to NCCF at 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612. Write “Disaster Relief” on the memo line of your check. Ages 18+

Friday, February 14, 2025
2025 FuseFest: Firing Up The Foothills
Feb 14 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary

Tyger Tyger Pop-Up Art Auction for BeLoved Asheville
Feb 14 @ 5:00 pm
8 London Road

This Valentine’s Day, show your love for Asheville and bid on art recovered from Hurricane Helene.

Tyger Tyger Gallery is hosting a special silent auction on Valentine’s Day of flood-damaged, salvaged and new art by our gallery artists who have generously donated their work to benefit BeLoved Asheville.

Join us on February 14th in Biltmore Village at 8 London Road for a magical evening of connection and community, and collect original art for a cause. We invite you to bring a new sweetie or longtime beloved and support BeLoved Asheville for a memorable date night… or come solo and meet like-minded art lovers! Take home a piece of history and be a part of Asheville’s recovery.

Music by local duo DJ XO SARII. Drinks donated by our friends at Burial Beer Co.

Free street parking.