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, November 16, 2024
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Nov 16 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

COME CELEBRATE!

OPEN FROM MAY – NOVEMBER :: 9AM – NOON

Our market is a seasonal Saturday morning community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. A family event every Saturday from May through November.

Visit us on Facebook!

Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
Nov 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

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.

Poetry Night
Nov 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

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!

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Weaverville Tailgate Market
Nov 20 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

 Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Friday, November 22, 2024
Vintage Market Days
Nov 22 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

We are thrilled to extend an invitation for you to join us once again for the highly anticipated Vintage Market Days® at the WNC Ag Center from

November 22-24. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the timeless charm of vintage treasures. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique finds, inspiring artisans, and like-minded enthusiasts. Together, let’s create unforgettable memories and embrace the spirit of discovery that makes Vintage Market Days® a truly special experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

We will be hosting local vendors and from surrounding states who will have a variety of items including but not limited to vintage, boutique, yummy snacks and treats,handmade, repurposed items, and so much more! As we celebrate our 8th year here in the Asheville area, our event has grown over the years because of you our VMD™ supporters!

November 22 & 23 9:00am-5:00pm

November 24 10:00am-3:00pm

Saturday, November 23, 2024
North Asheville Tailgate Market
Nov 23 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Shoppers at the market

Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!

Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.

Asheville City Market
Nov 23 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville City Market

Visit the Market

WHEN: Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., April–Dec. Winter market hours: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Jan.–March. No market the last two weeks of the year.

WHERE: North Market Street between Woodfin and Walnut streets in downtown Asheville. The street is closed to traffic during market times.

GETTING HERE: Free parking for customers is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and at the Family Justice Center lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Handicapped parking is available. There is a bus stop on the N1 and N2 routes one block away, on Broadway. Buses stop at both Woodfin and Walnut streets.

Stay up to date on market news via FacebookInstagram, and weekly e-newsletters.

Find Out More About

Vendors

Asheville City Market is a producer-only market, which means that all farm vendors grow or raise the products they are selling themselves. For non-farm vendors (such as prepared food, seafood, coffee), preference is given to products and foods prepared or processed locally or made with locally sourced ingredients.

The list below reflects vendors for the entire season, but not all will attend market each week. Sign up for the Asheville City Market e-newsletter to see the weekly vendor schedule.

Vintage Market Days
Nov 23 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

We are thrilled to extend an invitation for you to join us once again for the highly anticipated Vintage Market Days® at the WNC Ag Center from

November 22-24. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the timeless charm of vintage treasures. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique finds, inspiring artisans, and like-minded enthusiasts. Together, let’s create unforgettable memories and embrace the spirit of discovery that makes Vintage Market Days® a truly special experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

We will be hosting local vendors and from surrounding states who will have a variety of items including but not limited to vintage, boutique, yummy snacks and treats,handmade, repurposed items, and so much more! As we celebrate our 8th year here in the Asheville area, our event has grown over the years because of you our VMD™ supporters!

November 22 & 23 9:00am-5:00pm

November 24 10:00am-3:00pm

Ross Farm/Appalachian Standard Holiday Farm Market
Nov 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

We all need a little seasonal pep after a hard Fall, and what better way to kick off the holidays than at Ross Farm and Appalachian Standard’s magical Holiday Farm Market? 🎅❄️
Join us Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a festive afternoon that’ll warm your holiday spirit. Shop local and support small Asheville businesses this holiday season at the Holiday Farm Market! That’s the gift that keeps giving, baby.
Get ready for a merry afternoon filled with:
✨ A delightful marketplace of local craft vendors with unique treasures
🍪 Sweet holiday treats to tempt your taste buds
🍔 Mountain Man BBQ Food Truck
🎤 Cheerful holiday caroling throughout the greenhouse
🎶 A heartwarming community sing-a-long (all voices welcome!)
⛄ The coziest winter vibes this side of the Appalachians
🪴 An abundance of gorgeous houseplants in our cozy paradise
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC 28715
Escape the winter chill in our cozy greenhouses, where you’ll discover a wonderland of lush, thriving houseplants just waiting to bring life to your holiday decor. 🎄 Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your green journey, you’ll find the perfect leafy companion to brighten your home or gift to someone special. 🎁
Bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer for an afternoon of festive fun in our warm, plant-filled haven! ❤️

Sunday, November 24, 2024
Vintage Market Days
Nov 24 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

We are thrilled to extend an invitation for you to join us once again for the highly anticipated Vintage Market Days® at the WNC Ag Center from

November 22-24. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the timeless charm of vintage treasures. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique finds, inspiring artisans, and like-minded enthusiasts. Together, let’s create unforgettable memories and embrace the spirit of discovery that makes Vintage Market Days® a truly special experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

We will be hosting local vendors and from surrounding states who will have a variety of items including but not limited to vintage, boutique, yummy snacks and treats,handmade, repurposed items, and so much more! As we celebrate our 8th year here in the Asheville area, our event has grown over the years because of you our VMD™ supporters!

November 22 & 23 9:00am-5:00pm

November 24 10:00am-3:00pm

Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Weaverville Tailgate Market
Nov 27 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

 Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Saturday, November 30, 2024
Asheville City Market
Nov 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville City Market

Visit the Market

WHEN: Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., April–Dec. Winter market hours: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Jan.–March. No market the last two weeks of the year.

WHERE: North Market Street between Woodfin and Walnut streets in downtown Asheville. The street is closed to traffic during market times.

GETTING HERE: Free parking for customers is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and at the Family Justice Center lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Handicapped parking is available. There is a bus stop on the N1 and N2 routes one block away, on Broadway. Buses stop at both Woodfin and Walnut streets.

Stay up to date on market news via FacebookInstagram, and weekly e-newsletters.

Find Out More About

Vendors

Asheville City Market is a producer-only market, which means that all farm vendors grow or raise the products they are selling themselves. For non-farm vendors (such as prepared food, seafood, coffee), preference is given to products and foods prepared or processed locally or made with locally sourced ingredients.

The list below reflects vendors for the entire season, but not all will attend market each week. Sign up for the Asheville City Market e-newsletter to see the weekly vendor schedule.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Dec 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

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.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Weaverville Tailgate Market
Dec 4 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

 Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Saturday, December 7, 2024
Asheville City Market
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville City Market

Visit the Market

WHEN: Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., April–Dec. Winter market hours: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Jan.–March. No market the last two weeks of the year.

WHERE: North Market Street between Woodfin and Walnut streets in downtown Asheville. The street is closed to traffic during market times.

GETTING HERE: Free parking for customers is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and at the Family Justice Center lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Handicapped parking is available. There is a bus stop on the N1 and N2 routes one block away, on Broadway. Buses stop at both Woodfin and Walnut streets.

Stay up to date on market news via FacebookInstagram, and weekly e-newsletters.

Find Out More About

Vendors

Asheville City Market is a producer-only market, which means that all farm vendors grow or raise the products they are selling themselves. For non-farm vendors (such as prepared food, seafood, coffee), preference is given to products and foods prepared or processed locally or made with locally sourced ingredients.

The list below reflects vendors for the entire season, but not all will attend market each week. Sign up for the Asheville City Market e-newsletter to see the weekly vendor schedule.

Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come celebrate our 10th anniversary with us and support local artists & antique vendors that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The market will be held at the beautiful Haywood Park Hotel Event Space, 46 Haywood Street, from 10 am – 4 pm both days.

Admission is FREE! Park on the street or in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center or Wall Street Parking Decks.

Adoptable puppies with Mountain Pet Rescue. This is an INDOOR market and service dogs only are allowed.

Food & coffee onsite

4th Annual Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl Paw-liday Edition
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) invites the community to participate in their 4th Annual Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl Paw-liday Edition, presented by Hunter Subaru, on Saturday, December 7th, from 12-5 pm. Participants will purchase “Pawsports” and
enjoy a pet giveaway or treat and a unique pet-themed activity at participating dog-friendly food and beverage businesses, earning stamps at each stop for a chance to win a grand prize.

The event, originally scheduled for October 19th but postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, will now have a holiday theme with a new activity for pets and pet owners: photos with Santa. Pet owners are asked to bring their own cameras. The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, Celtic Creamery, Guidon Brewing Co., M&T Distilling, Southern Appalachian Brewery and White Duck Taco Shop are the host businesses participating in Pup Crawl. The community is encouraged to support these businesses by purchasing food, drinks and/or gift cards regardless of whether they have a Pawsport.

Pawsports are $20 for one dog and $40 for 2 or more dogs from the same household, if purchased by December 4th. After that date, Pawsports can only be purchased on the day of the event and pricing increases to $30 for one dog and $50 for 2 or more dogs from the same household. Human-only Pawsports can be purchased for the same price that will allow participants to collect all six stamps and
be entered into the grand prize drawing. Dogs must be leashed at all times and current on vaccinations. Event will be held rain or shine.

Pawsports are available on the BRHS website, https://www.blueridgehumane.org/get-
involved/events/pupcrawl or by calling (828) 692-2639 ext. 304.

The Big Crafty
Dec 7 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The Big Crafty — a hand-to-heart celebration of creative exuberance — returns on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, noon-6 p.m. daily at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena in downtown Asheville. $10 entry on Saturday, free to enter on Sunday.

Now, perhaps more than ever, The Big Crafty believes in supporting creative venturers. As Western North Carolina’s creative community recovers from Hurricane Helene, The Big Crafty offers a space for makers to sell their work and for fans of unique art and craft to support those makers … while also snapping up memorable and meaningful holiday gifts.

Shop for ceramics, prints, jewelry, woodwork and more, while also celebrating the vibrant and resurgent creative community of WNC.

Sunday, December 8, 2024
Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 8 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come celebrate our 10th anniversary with us and support local artists & antique vendors that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The market will be held at the beautiful Haywood Park Hotel Event Space, 46 Haywood Street, from 10 am – 4 pm both days.

Admission is FREE! Park on the street or in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center or Wall Street Parking Decks.

Adoptable puppies with Mountain Pet Rescue. This is an INDOOR market and service dogs only are allowed.

Food & coffee onsite

The Big Crafty
Dec 8 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The Big Crafty — a hand-to-heart celebration of creative exuberance — returns on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, noon-6 p.m. daily at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena in downtown Asheville. $10 entry on Saturday, free to enter on Sunday.

Now, perhaps more than ever, The Big Crafty believes in supporting creative venturers. As Western North Carolina’s creative community recovers from Hurricane Helene, The Big Crafty offers a space for makers to sell their work and for fans of unique art and craft to support those makers … while also snapping up memorable and meaningful holiday gifts.

Shop for ceramics, prints, jewelry, woodwork and more, while also celebrating the vibrant and resurgent creative community of WNC.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Weaverville Tailgate Market
Dec 11 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

 Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
Dec 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

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!

Poetry Night
Dec 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

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!

Thursday, January 2, 2025
True Home Open Mic
Jan 2 @ 6:00 pm
Flood Gallery

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.

Monday, January 6, 2025
Flooded Poetry
Jan 6 @ 6:30 pm
Flood Gallery

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)!

Thursday, January 16, 2025
THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “RESET”
Jan 16 @ 7:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

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.

 

Sunday, January 26, 2025
15th Annual Queer Girls Literary Reading
Jan 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Eulogy at Burial Beer Co.

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.

Saturday, February 8, 2025
Dear Valentine: A Love Letter Writing Workshop
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Story Parlor

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

Saturday, February 22, 2025
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.

Thursday, February 27, 2025
Delight: A Countercultural Force of Resistance
Feb 27 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville High School Auditorium

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.