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.

Friday, December 20, 2024
Lake Julian’s Festival of Lights
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is ready to make the season a little merrier and a lot brighter with the annual Festival of Lights. Lake Julian Park’s captivating display of thousands of holiday lights begins TONIGHT, Friday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 23, and will occur nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. This long-time mountain family tradition turns the park into a magical wonderland filled with sparkle and celebration.

Each night, you can stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the illumination and listening to your favorite festive tunes. Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, this year’s Festival of Lights will only offer the drive-thru experience.

Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for buses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific. On Tuesdays, Buncombe County residents in their personal vehicles will be given free entry.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Buncombe County.

Winter Lights
Dec 20 @ 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.

Saturday, December 21, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 21 @ 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.

SC Arms Collectors Association Gun + Knife Show
Dec 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

SC Arms Collectors Association Gun & Knife Show – Hall 1 – Parking off Exposition Drive

SCACA ADMISSION

ADULTS: $10.00  |  MILITARY: $8.00  

12 Yrs. & Under: Free when accompanied by an adult.  

Must Show Military ID

Greenville Convention Center Parking

   $5.00 Per Vehicle   

​DATES:

January 20 & 21, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

August 10 & 11, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

December 21 & 22, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

April 20 & 21, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

October 26 & 27, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Lake Julian’s Festival of Lights
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is ready to make the season a little merrier and a lot brighter with the annual Festival of Lights. Lake Julian Park’s captivating display of thousands of holiday lights begins TONIGHT, Friday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 23, and will occur nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. This long-time mountain family tradition turns the park into a magical wonderland filled with sparkle and celebration.

Each night, you can stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the illumination and listening to your favorite festive tunes. Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, this year’s Festival of Lights will only offer the drive-thru experience.

Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for buses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific. On Tuesdays, Buncombe County residents in their personal vehicles will be given free entry.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Buncombe County.

Winter Lights
Dec 21 @ 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 22, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 22 @ 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.

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

SC Arms Collectors Association Gun + Knife Show
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

SC Arms Collectors Association Gun & Knife Show – Hall 1 – Parking off Exposition Drive

SCACA ADMISSION

ADULTS: $10.00  |  MILITARY: $8.00  

12 Yrs. & Under: Free when accompanied by an adult.  

Must Show Military ID

Greenville Convention Center Parking

   $5.00 Per Vehicle   

​DATES:

January 20 & 21, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

August 10 & 11, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

December 21 & 22, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

April 20 & 21, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

October 26 & 27, 2024

Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

Lake Julian’s Festival of Lights
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is ready to make the season a little merrier and a lot brighter with the annual Festival of Lights. Lake Julian Park’s captivating display of thousands of holiday lights begins TONIGHT, Friday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 23, and will occur nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. This long-time mountain family tradition turns the park into a magical wonderland filled with sparkle and celebration.

Each night, you can stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the illumination and listening to your favorite festive tunes. Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, this year’s Festival of Lights will only offer the drive-thru experience.

Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for buses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific. On Tuesdays, Buncombe County residents in their personal vehicles will be given free entry.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Buncombe County.

Winter Lights
Dec 22 @ 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 23, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 23 @ 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.

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 23 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Lake Julian’s Festival of Lights
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is ready to make the season a little merrier and a lot brighter with the annual Festival of Lights. Lake Julian Park’s captivating display of thousands of holiday lights begins TONIGHT, Friday, Dec. 6 through Monday, Dec. 23, and will occur nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. This long-time mountain family tradition turns the park into a magical wonderland filled with sparkle and celebration.

Each night, you can stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the illumination and listening to your favorite festive tunes. Due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, this year’s Festival of Lights will only offer the drive-thru experience.

Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for buses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific. On Tuesdays, Buncombe County residents in their personal vehicles will be given free entry.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Buncombe County.

Winter Lights
Dec 23 @ 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.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 24 @ 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.

Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 24 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Center for Craft

Find the perfect gift this holiday season for everyone on your list at the 10th annual 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! Shop local, shop small and support local artists, makers, and vintage collectors.

We’ve decked the halls of the Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft in Downtown Asheville. Shop over 100 vendors; housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, ornaments, candles, gifts for our furry friends and more.

WHEN:
Open Nov 29 through Dec 24
10am-8pm daily

WHERE:
The Ideation Lab inside the Center for Craft
67 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Winter Lights
Dec 24 @ 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.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 25 @ 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 25 @ 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.

Thursday, December 26, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 26 @ 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 26 @ 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.

Friday, December 27, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 27 @ 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 27 @ 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.

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.