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 14, 2024
Asheville SantaCon 2024
Dec 14 @ 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Urban Orchard Cider Co.

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

Winter Lights
Dec 14 @ 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 15, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 15 @ 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 16, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 16 @ 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 17, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 17 @ 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 18, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 18 @ 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 19, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 19 @ 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 20, 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

City Dance
Dec 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, December 27, 2024
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
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
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
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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Asheville New Years Eve Bar Crawl
Dec 31 2024 @ 6:00 pm – Jan 1 2025 @ 2:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co.

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
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.

Saturday, January 18, 2025
Heavy Mountain Music and Beer Fest
Jan 18 @ 2:00 pm
The Orange Peel

HEAVY MOUNTAIN MUSIC & BEER FEST

Show: 2pm | Doors: 1:30pm
$50 adv / $70 dos
$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

Thursday, January 23, 2025
City Dance
Jan 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Sunday, February 2, 2025
*Assembly Required Designer Toy Expo
Feb 2 all-day
Battery Park Hall

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.

Saturday, February 22, 2025
8th Annual Six Hours on the Ridge
Feb 22 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center

Six Hours on the Ridge is back for its 8th year!  Are you up for the challenge?  This annual race features the 6 mile JFA trail with just over 800 feet of elevation gain and fast rolling single track making it the perfect setting for this endurance event. Riders will ride as many laps as they are able within the 6 hour time window.

This race has sold out the past two years so don’t delay sign up today!

THERE WILL BE NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.

22nd annual Business of Farming Conference
Feb 22 @ 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College

The 22nd annual Business of Farming Conference, presented by ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), will be held Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will take place at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, Henderson County, NC—which is a location change from A-B Tech, as originally announced. The A-B Tech Conference Center is undergoing repairs after serving as a disaster relief location during Hurricane Helene.

The conference focuses on the business side of farming, offering beginning and established farmers financial, legal, operational, and marketing tools to improve farm businesses and make professional connections. This year’s conference will also have a strong emphasis on resilience planning and resources for post-Helene recovery. More than a dozen workshops will be led by innovative farmers and specialists, including You Can’t Do It All: Hiring and Keeping a Productive Team and Planning for Farm Resiliency. A full list of workshops is at asapconnections.org.

Registration is now open at asapconnections.org. The cost is $75 by Feb. 1 and $95 after, with a discount for farm partners registering together. Scholarships are available for limited-resource and BIPOC farmers. The registration price includes a locally sourced breakfast and lunch. Lunch is sponsored by Farm Burger.

Support for the conference is provided in part by Dogwood Health Trust, NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Sunday, February 23, 2025
Southern Rodeo Association
Feb 23 all-day
NC Agriculture Center

The 50th Southern Finals Rodeo will be held February 21-23, 2025 (3 performances) in Asheville NC (Fletcher) at the WNC Agricultural Center.

Thursday, February 27, 2025
City Dance
Feb 27 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, March 1, 2025
Boats and Birds
Mar 1 @ 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Lake Julian Park

Ages 5+

Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders

This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots!  We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat.  Free, Registration Required.  Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!

Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.

For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.

Sunday, March 2, 2025
EcoGardening: Principles in Practice
Mar 2 @ 10:00 am
The North Carolina Arboretum

EcoGardening: Principles in Practice (3 Sessions)

with Nina Shippen

ON-SITE  |  Sundays, February 16, 23, + March 2  |  10 am – 1 pm

Ecological gardening is a way of thinking in which gardens are no longer seen as a collection of plants, but as an interdependent community of plants, soils, environment and animals. The class introduces ecology-based methods employed in the design process of site assessment, design, installation, and maintenance. A variety of garden conditions are covered in this comprehensive overview. Gardeners of all levels of interest and ability will find this class valuable for learning ecologically-sustainable practices that can be adapted and applied in a variety of landscapes.