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.

Sunday, December 18, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 18 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Monday, December 19, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 19 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

The Magnetic Theatre 2023 Mainstage Season
Dec 19 all-day
Magnetic Theatre

The Magnetic Theatre announces its 2023 Mainstage Season of new plays with tickets on sale beginning January 1st, and begins scheduling auditions and interviews for actors and technicians.

The Magnetic Theatre’s Mainstage Season begins with HappyLand, a new rock opera by Brayden Dickerson and Zach Knox of Smooth Goose.  The musical tells the tale of a delivery person who doesn’t quite fit into the titular town of HappyLand. Forced to make one last delivery before the vacation they have been dreaming of, our hero embarks on an epic journey to SadLand, falls in love, and maybe even saves the world.  Full of toe-tappin’ tunes and fantastic adventure, HappyLand launches February 10th and runs through February 25th.

Beginning April 14th and running through April 29th, join us for the regional premiere of Fish, by Cyndi Williams.  When two characters connect unexpectedly in a lonely bar, they wind up playing a dangerous game. Who will survive, and how can they forgive themselves in the process?  Shifting timelines and unearthing skeletons, Fish is a fever dream twisting through memory, fantasy, and the present.

Next up, June 2nd through 17th, take your seats and pay attention to Da Classroom Ain’t Enuf, by Charles Payne.  This choreopoem, inspired by the work of Ntozake Shange, is an exploration of the intersection of Black and Brown communities, particularly in and around the American educational system. The play features an ensemble of four actors who play teachers, students, and their families and is a mix of poetry, prose, and music, with original tracks by composer Richard Jones.

Then, August 4th through 13th, The Magnetic Theatre’s One Act Play Festival returns for its fourth year of short plays.  Featuring a variety of stories, emerging and seasoned playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers, there’s sure to be something for everyone!  Playwrights may submit one act scripts for consideration throughout the month of February.

Ushering in the spooky season, October 6th through 21st brings The Splatter Play by Abby Auman.  It’s the day of the open house for Tina’s childhood home, which also happens to be her deceased mother’s evil laboratory. Determined to turn the terrors of the lab into selling points, Tina and her optimistic realtor parade a cast of unsavory potential buyers through the home, tormented all the while by the resident creepies and crawlies who aren’t quite as ready to move on as Tina would hope. *Note: there will be blood, so much blood.

Finally, as 2023 comes to a close, The Magnetic Theatre proudly presents New Queer’s Eve. December 1st through 16th, join us for a look at the year’s last holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 20 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Dec 20 @ 4:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony and get tickets now at nutcracker.com!

December Book club: The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Dec 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dobra Tea

Let’s read The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow!

Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.
                Nov. 25 - Dec. 22

The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!

Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah's Cherokee Casino

This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with “NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet!” The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to relive your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony and get tickets now at Nutcracker.com!

NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 21 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Beauty Parlor Comedy: Stephen Taylor
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Beauty Academy

Beauty Parlor Comedy: Stephen Taylor

Originally a Louisiana native, Stephen moved to Kansas City to escape his traditional southern roots. He’s a fast rising talent in the region that has worked with comics like Theo Von, Karlous Miller, and Mark Normand. Combining his unique perspective with some sweet southern charm, Stephen headlines and features at your favorite clubs, bars, and colleges across the country. He is the house Feature at the KC Improv and has been accepted into festivals like Flyover Fest, B4UDIE, and SF Sketchfest. He is also the co-founder of the Barrel of the Bottoms studio in Kansas City, and the co-host of the Set to Destroy Podcast.

featuring TBA

ages 21+ (must have ID with you)

Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.
                Nov. 25 - Dec. 22

The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!

Thursday, December 22, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 22 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Concert
Dec 22 all-day
The AMT Theater

With over two thousand flickering candles illuminating the performers, The VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA will feature some of the worlds most beloved Christmas favorites, played by world-class musicians over the course of 60 mesmerizing minutes.
VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA — CHRISTMAS —
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful and unique Asheville Christmas event or a nostalgic candlelit experience, the timeless seasonal music is an evening at the Theatre you and your family will not soon forget. VLO’s awe inspiring performance is a positive interruption from the noise of the world — while elevating audiences into an atmosphere of seasonal favorites. You don’t need to know all things orchestral music to enjoy this evening of magical ambiance, simply unplug and savor the music you’ll hear.

Held in specially selected venues in comfortable idyllic settings so you can immerse yourself with Christmas music in a relaxed but awe inspiring atmosphere bathed by the flicker of over two thousand candlelights. Prepare to soar into the clouds! This concert series is coming to The AMT Theatre, a historical venue of purpose and elegance located in Downtown Asheville.

Performances by The VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA
After traveling around the world—to cities like Edinburgh, London, Kotor, Montenegro, Durres Albania and Calagary, BC—the experience of Vienna Light Orchestra has finally made its way to Asheville! Vienna Light Orchestra features world-class musicians from around the world and is named after what is often heralded as the “capital of orchestral music.” You don’t have to know everything about the genre of orchestral music to discover the joys of immersing you and your family into the dramatic symphonic sounds.

Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight ambiance is provided through flameless, unscented candles.

Book Club for cognitive support
Dec 22 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The 2nd Act

This is a book club that intends to be a support for people with cognitive decline. The first book has an enormous amount of information and it would be great to discuss it with like minded individuals. The End of Alzheimer’s Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age by Bredesen MD. We will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville at 5:30. I will also be hosting an online meetup at 8pm EST so message me if you would like the link to the Zoom meeting.

Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Listen to This: “Away in a Manger” true tales of holiday celebrations in odd locations
Dec 22 @ 7:30 pm
Story Parlor

Featuring stories by Ali McGhee (of AshevilleFM’s Slumber Party), Heather Maloy (of Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance), Lindsay Lee (of Highland Brew tours), and George Awad (of Appa-Laffin Mountain Review)
Plus songs by Carpal Tullar
Hosted by Tom “Pass the Suntan Lotion, Santa” Chalmers

Poetry Open Mic
Dec 22 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Shakedown Kava Lounge, Hendersonville

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.

Friday, December 23, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 23 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians ​
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm
Attic Salt Theatre

A battle so epic, it could only be shown in the dumbest way possible!

Acclaimed local playwright and director Rodney Smith has offered to take the usual holiday fare and turn it on its head by adapting this campy and (unintentionally) funny film from the 1960s for our stage. I’d explain the plot, but there’s not much to it outside the title.

Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for an alternative to Christmas schmaltz, you’re going to laugh and cheer at the bumbling Kinmar, Voldar, Dropo and the sexy Mrs. Candi Clause. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

Saturday, December 24, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 24 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Dec 24 @ 2:30 pm
Attic Salt Theatre

A battle so epic, it could only be shown in the dumbest way possible!

Acclaimed local playwright and director Rodney Smith has offered to take the usual holiday fare and turn it on its head by adapting this campy and (unintentionally) funny film from the 1960s for our stage. I’d explain the plot, but there’s not much to it outside the title.

Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for an alternative to Christmas schmaltz, you’re going to laugh and cheer at the bumbling Kinmar, Voldar, Dropo and the sexy Mrs. Candi Clause. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

Sunday, December 25, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 25 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Monday, December 26, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 26 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 27 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Romance Book Club
Dec 27 @ 7:00 pm
zoom

Romance Book Club is a space to celebrate love in literature. Whether it’s set in early 1800s London, a distant planet years into the future, a fantasy world of magic, or our own contemporary universe, we are here for the stories that end with a happily-ever-after (or at least a happily-for-now).

Meetings will take place at 7:00 PM ET on the last Tuesday of each month via Zoom. Please visit the Romance Bookclub page for the monthly selection, and email Samantha at [email protected] for the link to join.

Modelface Comedy Presents Comedian Michael Palascak
Dec 27 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Michael Palascak is a comedian who grew up in Indiana and now lives in LA.  He performed on both The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the same year.   He has over 1 million views on YouTube.  In addition, his resume includes A Little Late with Lilly Singh, The Tonight Show, LettermanCraig FergusonConan, has a Comedy Central Half Hour special, and was a Top 5 Finalist on Last Comic Standing where one judge claimed, “My first impression of Michael was a great likability.  This is a guy that could star in a sitcom.”  Michael’s likability allows him to relate to his audiences in a real way which sets up the huge laughs he gets from his sharp, personal material.  Consistently writing and performing, this summer Michael released both a new album— The Internet Live through 800 Pound Gorilla and a new stand-up special on the Dry Bar app— 1984.  Available for free streaming.  Drew Hunt of The Chicago Reader wrote about Michael, “In a lot of ways, he represents the ideal antidote to the sort of unbridled cynicism that pervades much of contemporary stand-up.”  Michael’s optimism continues in the new National Lampoon series — The Bright Side where he takes a positive stance on a negative topic streaming on YouTube.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 28 all-day
online

From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!

Foodie Book Club
Dec 28 @ 7:00 pm
online

The Foodie Book Club is a club about food writing. The club meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM.  Click here for details and monthly picks!

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – 7:00pm
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 – 7:00pm
Wednesday, December 28, 2022 – 7:00pm
The Black Out Diaries
Dec 28 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp

12/28 The Blackout Diaries is BACK!
What: The Blackout Blackout Diaries
When: December 28, 2022 show starts at 8p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Age 21+
Tickets: $17 (available at door ot The Orange Peel website)
During this year’s holiday break, forget all the craziness and bring the whole (drinking age) family & friends out to hear tales of triumph (but mostly hilarious tragedy) while drinking heavily. Starting its roots in Chicago, and hosted by the hilarious Alex Joyce, The Blackout Diaries is an interactive comedy show were standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell true drinking stories with photos from the events. Then you, the audience, can ask questions.
The Blackout Diaries has been selected as ‘Critics’ Choice in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times and more. Segments from the show have appeared on Comedy Central, NPR, Sirius Radio and more. A review once described the show as “a reverse AA meeting”. We still don’t know if that was a positive review or not, but we feel it sums the show up well.
Hosted by Alex Joyce. Alex has been performing stand up comedy for 12 years. After graduating from The University of Alabama he moved to Chicago where he studied at the Second City Training Center for Sketch Writing. He is co producer and performer in The Blackout Diaries, a weekly show at The Lincoln Lodge Theater where comedians tell wild drinking stories and the audience gets to ask questions. Joyce returns to Asheville regularly to visit family and perform. Joyce lives in Chicago.
The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.
For more info about this show contact Michele [email protected]
BlackOut Diaries Videos:

FB: https://fb.me/e/33BCJ3rg