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.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 12 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 13 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Maker Day: Christmas Chutneys
Dec 13 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

ONSITE | Wednesday, December 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | $75 Adult Non-Member (Arboretum member discount applies!) Pre-registration Required.

A chutney can be a cross between a jam and a relish, as popular in the southern U.S. as it is in India. Together we will create a fragrant blend of fresh and dried fruits, spices, some sugar and vinegar and jar it up to present as a seasonal gift or to store in your own pantry. Expect to work with apples, oranges, pears, figs, raisins, dates, cranberries, ginger, hibiscus petals and more to make a couple of different types of chutneys. Sample them in class with cheese and scones but learn many ways to use them through the year with different menus. Our culinary guide and guru is Nanette Davidson, author of The Folk School Cookbook and founder of the cooking program at the John C Campbell Folk School where she served as Resident Artist in Cooking for twenty years. Let’s have fun turning the Arboretum classroom into a temporary canning kitchen for this unique Maker day!

Pre-register for this small-group experience through the form linked below and staff will  be in touch to finalize registration and payment.

Holiday Cookie Contest 
Dec 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

 

FREE | All ages

Utilize your baking skills to create the best holiday cookie in a friendly competition with prizes for the top three contestants. Complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider for spectators, too.

Trivia Night
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern

Thursday, December 14, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 14 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Weekly 30 Minute Meditation for Moms (online)
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am – 9:30 am
online

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

Led by experienced instructors, this 30 min guided meditation session will help you feel the much needed calmness.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meditation-for-moms-tickets-126660441791?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Daily Meditation + Support (online)
Dec 14 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
online

Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute
IMPORTANT: register here to get zoom link https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

Friday, December 15, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 15 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Averys Creek Holiday Bash
Dec 15 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Sweet Escape
Join us to support our Friends at Averys Creek Elementary with our Holiday Bash fundraiser, 15% of proceeds go to Averys Creek PTO.
LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 15 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party + live music with Caribbean Cowboys
Dec 15 @ 6:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

It’s that time of year again! Dust off your most tacky Christmas sweater and head to Point Lookout for wine + some festive jams with Steve Weams – The Caribbean Cowboys Band! Prize goes to the ugliest sweater! 🎄
Dec. 15 | 6-9pm | No cover charge

Winter Magic Holiday Show
Dec 15 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Songwriter in the round featuring Rebecca Loebe, Crys Mathews, and Flamy Grant. All award-winning artists – Flamy just won the New Artist of the year award at Kerrville Folk and Crys won best song of the year at FAI last year. Rebecca was on the first year of The Voice and has been a Kerrville New Folk Artist as well.

Rebecca Loebe

As one DJ puts it, Rebecca Loebe “has an almost supernatural ability to get the crowd singing along.” Over the past decade, the Austin-based singer songwriter has taken her fans along for the ride, touring nonstop across the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, and the UK. If you love lyric driven, full-throated modern troubadours like Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Phoebe Bridgers, then Rebecca Loebe is a must-listen.

Crys Matthews

Ask about the new generation of social justice music-makers and Crys Matthews will be mentioned. A prolific lyricist, Matthews blends Americana, folk, jazz, blues, bluegrass and funk into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. “While each and every day, on each and every media platform, we’re reminded of the division, alienation, marginalization, and divisiveness rampant in our country (and our world), we’re not often enough met with people like Matthews,” said Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation, “who exist as reminders of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.”

Flamy Grant

Flamy Grant is a shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen from western North Carolina. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, was nominated for Best Pop Album at the San Diego Music Awards, and she is a winner of the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition. Both a powerhouse vocalist and an intrepid songwriter, Flamy blends the art of drag with her iconic folk/rock sound to create a memorable musical experience.

Saturday, December 16, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 16 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Dec 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Hot Cocoa Creation Bar
Dec 16 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Make your own hot cocoa creation in Perspective Café

Every weekend in December 

 

Unlock the joy and creative spirit of the holidays while also supporting the Museum’s mission! Start your winter cocoa creation by choosing between traditional or white hot chocolate as your base. Next, decorate your creation with all kinds of toppings, including crushed peppermints, butterscotches, caramel syrup, mini marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, and more.

Weihnachtsmarkt: German-inspired Holiday Market
Dec 16 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at our German-inspired Holiday Market on Saturday, December 16th, from 12-5pm! 🇩🇪 Transforming our RAD Beer Garden into a winter wonderland reminiscent of the traditional Christmas markets in Germany and neighboring countries, each shipping container will become a charming stall.
Indulge your taste buds with authentic German delights from Haus Heidlberg German Food Truck, savor delectable Blunt Pretzels, and treat yourself to the delightful creations of Mount Patisserie baked goods. With 10 vendors already confirmed and more to come, you’ll discover an array of unique gifts and crafts to make your holiday shopping a breeze.
Warm up with the cozy tradition of Glühwein, a delightful mulled wine enjoyed in the festive season throughout the region. Soak in the holiday ambiance, indulge in delicious treats, and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Don’t miss this enchanting holiday market—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!
South Slope Makers Market + Bar Hop
Dec 16 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Urban Orchard Cider Company
Join us holiday season in the South Slope neighborhood of Asheville, NC to shop 35 vendors with a drink in hand!
Find vendors, drinks and food at all of these fun locations! 👇
Green Man Brewing
27 Buxton Ave
Urban Orchard Cider Co
24 Buxton Ave
Twin Leaf Brewing
144 Coxe Ave
Hi-Wire Brewing
197 Hilliard Ave
Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as woodworking, original art, jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and so much more!
No MLM or direct sales will be present.
This event is FREE to attend! You only pay for the items you wish to purchase and the drinks you want to consume.
​This is a family friendly event, however please note alcohol will be present due to the nature of the venues.
If you are 21 or older and choose to drink, please drink responsibly.
‘Last Minute Maker’s Market’
Dec 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge

🎁Join us for a ‘Last Minute Maker’s Market’ on Saturday, December 16th from 2-6pm

Grab a beer and shop these amazing vendors:
Apothepurity
Botanical Tortoise Co.
Chapter’s Bookstop
Gumball Glassworks
Macon York Press
Mountain Watercolors

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Dec 16 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 17 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Hot Cocoa Creation Bar
Dec 17 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Make your own hot cocoa creation in Perspective Café

Every weekend in December 

 

Unlock the joy and creative spirit of the holidays while also supporting the Museum’s mission! Start your winter cocoa creation by choosing between traditional or white hot chocolate as your base. Next, decorate your creation with all kinds of toppings, including crushed peppermints, butterscotches, caramel syrup, mini marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, and more.

Santa Paws
Dec 17 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Join us for a festive, fun-filled celebration for you and your pups this December 17th! We will have Santa here for photo opportunities, live music, and dog treats!
Donations will be accepted for the Blue Ridge Humane society during the month of December

Holly Jolly Industry Chili Smackdown 2023
Dec 17 @ 6:00 pm
DSSOLVR

Join us December 17th, 6PM at DSSOLVR
Brace yourselves for a TASTE BUD TAKEDOWN!!! We’ve enlisted the TOUGHEST, BEEFIEST, and most SCRUMPTIOUS CHILIS in Asheville to throw down in this year’s showdown! And guess what, folks… ANYONE CAN BE A JUDGE!

Chili Contenders include
Last year’s winner! The Golden Pineapple
The Whale
The Orange Peel
Storm Rhum Bar
Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Terra Firma Culinary Co
Chef Bugher of Apex Culinary
Burial Forestry Camp
And more to be announced!

For a $10 donation, YOU DECIDE the next CHILI CHAMPION!
All donations go straight to the amazing MANNA FoodBank.

Monday, December 18, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 18 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

Micro Monday program
Dec 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge - South Slope Lounge
Join us in January and February for our weekly Micro Monday program! Come in and get a Micro Monday passport to try all eight of our exclusive small batch beverages and earn prizes!
✨Here’s the fine print: Micro Monday participants will recieve a passport punch card with the opportunity to try a different beverage each week for eight weeks. To earn a punch on your passport, you must order a full pour or 32 oz growler of the beverage of the week. We strive to have enough product to last all week, so if you can’t come on a Monday, that’s ok!
Participants who get 5 punches will receive an exclusive complimentary “I’m With the Band” 16oz glass, and those who join for all 8 weeks will also recieve a branded stainless steel water bottle, and entry into our grand prize drawing, worth $100!
🤫(hint: join us at our Kick-off Party on January 1st to get an extra entry into the grand prize drawing!)
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Dec 19 all-day
Chimney Rock Smokehouse

Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.

LEGO Builders Club
Dec 19 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Come down the Pack Memorial Library and play with LEGOs!
Show off your building skills and make new friends with other LEGO maniacs.

Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, because we’ve got plenty.

School Age – (grades K-5)
The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show
Dec 19 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

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 hilarius 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.
Alex Joyce has been performing stand up comedy for 13 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.
Featuring Hilliary Begley. Patey Smith McDowell & Roman Fraden