Calendar of Events
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.
For more than 20 years, this beloved local holiday tradition has ushered in the winter season with a joyful infusion of performances by the best and brightest artists in our region. This year, the celebration welcomes the next generation of musicians to the stage to spread seasonal warmth, magic and cheer with Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music, rousing dance and timeless stories — illuminating winter’s darkest day with wonder and peace.
The 2023 A Swannanoa Solstice features performances by:
-John Doyle
-John Goforth
-E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band
-Jane Kramer
-Becky Stone
-Zoe & Cloyd
For more than 20 years, this beloved local holiday tradition has ushered in the winter season with a joyful infusion of performances by the best and brightest artists in our region. This year, the celebration welcomes the next generation of musicians to the stage to spread seasonal warmth, magic and cheer with Celtic, American-roots and world-influenced music, rousing dance and timeless stories — illuminating winter’s darkest day with wonder and peace.
The 2023 A Swannanoa Solstice features performances by:
-John Doyle
-John Goforth
-E.J. Jones & The Piper Jones Band
-Jane Kramer
-Becky Stone
-Zoe & Cloyd
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
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. Petey Smith McDowell & Roman Fraden
Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greenville RV Show on January 5th-7th 2024, the largest RV show in Greenville. Shop acres of RVs in one convenient location and all your favorite local dealers.
- Friday, January 5, 2024, 10am – 8pm
- Saturday, January 6, 2024, 10am – 8pm
- Sunday, January 7, 2024, 10am – 5pm
Admission
INCLUDES FREE RETURN PASS GOOD FOR ALL WEEKEND.
CASH ONLY – ATM ONSITE.
SERVICE ANIMALS ONLY PER FACILITY.
No advance ticket sales.
- $5 per person
- Under 18 FREE
- Parking $5.
Learn about how to grow mushrooms at home, basic fungal biology, and the top wild mushrooms to collect in the forest. Presented by Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show,
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
Bonsai is a Japanese term that means “planted in a container.” Bonsai is the art of growing beautiful small trees that actually mimic full-sized trees, and is a tradition that has been carried out for over a thousand years.
Join Bob Thatcher of the Blue Ridge Bonsai Society to learn more about the history, care, and appreciation of Bonsai! Bob will talk about how to get started, covering the basics of the cultivation and maintenance of bonsai trees. Thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this program.
This free program will be at the Weaverville Library on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and everyone is invited.
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
A Charlotte Comic Takeover!!!
It’s Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! Jan 21, 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get 3-5m, FREE entry and pizza. ]
Morgan Marie is guest hosting, in from Charlotte with some great comic features in tow!! Get Your Tickets Now! https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets/
A Charlotte Comic Takeover!!!
It’s Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! Jan 21, 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get 3-5m, FREE entry and pizza. ]
Morgan Marie is guest hosting, in from Charlotte with some great comic features in tow, Matt Hammy, Thomas Heynan & Christine McLennan!! Get Your Tickets Now!!
This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.
We’ll talk about:
- What is pollination
- The importance of pollination
- Pollinators & their identification
- The importance of pollinator habitat
The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.
Our pollinator programs will be:
Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.
Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
These programs are free and everyone is invited.
The 54th Annual Upstate SC Boat Show is coming to the Greenville Convention Center on January 25-28, 2024!
The show will host the latest models of boats including:
Fishing, Pontoon, Speed, Ski, Cruisers, and Personal Watercraft. Additionally, you’ll find boating accessories and everything that you need to start the season off right!
Show Hours
Thursday & Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Admission & Parking
Adults $7 • Seniors (60+) $6 • Students (7-18) $6 • Children (Age 6 and Under) FREE
Parking $5
Standup Comedy at Pulp featuring Cody Hughes
Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday December 25, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website https://theorangepeel.net/event/slice-of-life-comedy-open-mic-24/ )
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Cody Hughes
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Feature Cody Hughes is a comedian from Asheville NC. He’s lived in a few different big cities and a lot of comedians like him and a lot of other comedians have heard good things about him from the comedians who like him. A few comedians don’t like him and he can’t do anything about that. Oh well. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver, Maria Bamford, and many others.
Watch his new comedy special:
The 54th Annual Upstate SC Boat Show is coming to the Greenville Convention Center on January 25-28, 2024!
The show will host the latest models of boats including:
Fishing, Pontoon, Speed, Ski, Cruisers, and Personal Watercraft. Additionally, you’ll find boating accessories and everything that you need to start the season off right!
Show Hours
Thursday & Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Admission & Parking
Adults $7 • Seniors (60+) $6 • Students (7-18) $6 • Children (Age 6 and Under) FREE
Parking $5
The 54th Annual Upstate SC Boat Show is coming to the Greenville Convention Center on January 25-28, 2024!
The show will host the latest models of boats including:
Fishing, Pontoon, Speed, Ski, Cruisers, and Personal Watercraft. Additionally, you’ll find boating accessories and everything that you need to start the season off right!
Show Hours
Thursday & Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Admission & Parking
Adults $7 • Seniors (60+) $6 • Students (7-18) $6 • Children (Age 6 and Under) FREE
Parking $5
The 54th Annual Upstate SC Boat Show is coming to the Greenville Convention Center on January 25-28, 2024!
The show will host the latest models of boats including:
Fishing, Pontoon, Speed, Ski, Cruisers, and Personal Watercraft. Additionally, you’ll find boating accessories and everything that you need to start the season off right!
Show hours are Thursday and Friday from 12pm – 9pm, Saturday from 10am – 9pm and Sunday from 12pm – 6pm.
The 54th Annual Upstate SC Boat Show is coming to the Greenville Convention Center on January 25-28, 2024!
The show will host the latest models of boats including:
Fishing, Pontoon, Speed, Ski, Cruisers, and Personal Watercraft. Additionally, you’ll find boating accessories and everything that you need to start the season off right!
Show Hours
Thursday & Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Admission & Parking
Adults $7 • Seniors (60+) $6 • Students (7-18) $6 • Children (Age 6 and Under) FREE
Parking $5
Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning.
Healthy plants start with healthy soil! In this workshop, learn the basics of how soil works, how to manage weeds with minimal tilling, and the important role of organic matter and diversity in the health and productivity of your soil. Join us to discover:
- five guiding principles of good soil management
- how to implement these principles for a thriving garden
We will be conducting hands-on soil sample tests and discussing how to read a soil report, along with many other useful soil health tips and tricks!
Workshop participants will receive 10% off on same-day purchases at Fifth Season Gardening Asheville.
Dive into wedding bliss at the Greenville Convention Center on Feb 3rd, 10 AM – 2 PM! Explore enchanting venues, meet vendors, and plan your dream day. Join Wedding Festivals for an immersive experience in the heart of Greenville. Say “I do” to endless possibilities!
Parking off Exposition Drive.
For more information click here: Bridal Show and Wedding Expo in Greenville Anderson Spartanburg Charleston South Carolina SC Asheville Charlotte North Carolina NC (weddingfestivals.com)
This winter and spring join us for an introduction to pollinators presented by Bee City USA Asheville. Pollinators are under threat, but there’s plenty we can do to help right in our backyards.
We’ll talk about:
- What is pollination
- The importance of pollination
- Pollinators & their identification
- The importance of pollinator habitat
The presenter for this program will be Athena Rayne Anderson who holds PhD in Ecology with a focus on native pollinators. Athena is also a Certified Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership and works with Bee City USA Asheville to promote the value of native pollinator plants.
Our pollinator programs will be:
Fairview Library
Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 3:30 p.m.
Swannanoa Library
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Leicester Library
Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Skyland/South Buncombe Library
Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
These programs are free, and everyone is invited.
How a tarot reading works:
Your group reading will begin with an intention-setting, guided meditation. From there, each participant will enjoy a 10-15 minute personalized reading of the cards whose symbolism and possible messages will be interpreted. The cards anchor us back into larger cycles of growth, provide solace through tough times, and encourage us to stay on our path.
The central question the card is meant to address is, “What is it that I need to focus on at this moment to take the next step towards realizing my heart’s desire?” Readings can, though, focus specifically on any aspect of your life, such as your career or relationships.
During readings — whether it’s a virtual tarot reading or in-person — we turn off our phones, gather in a circle, and take a few, deep breaths to center ourselves. We then give each person a chance to ask a question and receive a reading. There are often a few tears, lots of laughs, and plenty of group discussion.
This event is fun and illuminating, offering everyone a deeper connection to everyday magic.
Tarot Reading Cost & Options:
- In-Person Readings in Asheville: we’ll come to you at your home or vacation rental, meet you in a city park, or settle in at a local tea house.
- Online Readings: connect with your crew and experience a bit of Asheville…no matter how far apart you may be!
Cost:
- Base price = $160 (includes up to 4 guests, 1hr total)
- Additional guests = $40/person (approximately 10-15 mins per person)
- 20+ guests and/or special events = please contact us.
- Hourly rates are available for larger parties with the option to work with multiple readers to optimize your time together.
- Book Now
Note that locations more than 10 miles from downtown Asheville will include an additional travel fee.
Our tarot readers can come to your home, office, or vacation rental or meet you at a city park, cozy tea house, or local café. Not in Asheville? No worries! We can also meet you online for a virtual tarot reading…no matter where in the world you may be.
Note that locations more than 10 miles from downtown Asheville include an additional travel fee at the rate of $25 for each additional 10 miles. Example: 0-10 miles included | 11-20 miles $25 | 21-30 miles $50 and so on.
Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greater Greenville Master Gardener Symposium. Featuring entertaining and informative speakers from near and far, the annual GGMG symposium is held on February 10th. Furthering their mission of educating the public, the symposium provides attendees with an inspiring and engaging day and an introduction to new ideas in the ever-changing world of horticulture.
Parking off of Eisenhower Drive.
Please join us for our next free Community Garden Network Workshop, where we will join Lauren “LB” Bacchus, Executive Director of Kudzu Culture, for a hands-on demonstration teaching how kuzu (kudzu root starch) is made. Kuzu has a long legacy of use in Asia, especially in Japan, as an ingredient in macrobiotic cooking. Kuzu is a strong alkaline, and has been traditionally used to make a soothing gooey drink called kuzuyu, among other foods such as noodles, mochi, breads, and soups. LB is an experimental fiber artist whose sculptural work is made from abundant, often invasive, plant material. LB is passionate about learning from traditional craft, and sharing research and processes with others, and has taught eco-art workshops for children and adults at a variety of schools in WNC. This workshop is presented in collaboration with The City of Asheville. For more info go to https://kudzuculture.net/. Please RSVP via the ticket link, and if you have any questions please contact Ta’rin’ii [email protected] or Isa Whitaker at [email protected].
Indulge in an evening of passion, connection, and a dash of mystery at our “Eyes Wide Shut: A Blindfolded Affair” Couples Massage Candle Making Event on Saturday, February 10th at 7 PM!
Ignite the flames of love as you and your beloved embark on a tantalizing journey of sensory exploration. Craft your very own 10 oz upgrade massage candle, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with a blindfolded smelling experience and a touch of DIY romance.
Be swept away in a world of sensuality with our exclusive gift basket, brimming with delightful surprises – from enticing sample candles to sexy spa products, candies to sweeten the moment, mini champagne bottles, all wrapped up in a tempting package valued at $30!
Picture this: beautiful linen-covered tables adorned with lush florals, the soft flicker of candlelight casting a warm glow, and the heady fragrance of specially curated aphrodisiac scents filling the air. Capture the magic with our Polaroid pictures – a timeless keepsake of the moments when love is blind and enchanting.
Blindfold your senses and let the adventure unfold! Dive into our candle library, an array of specially curated aphrodisiac scents, for a blind smelling experience. Let your hearts guide you to the perfect fragrance, creating a candle that mirrors the uniqueness of your love.
We’ll be your guide on this journey, leading you step by step to create not just a massage candle, but a masterpiece that encapsulates the magic of your connection. So, don your most captivating attire, dress up, and join us for a night where every touch, scent, and shared smile becomes a celebration of love.
Secure your spot now for only $110 per couple – because the best stories are written in the language of love. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Valentine’s experience – where every moment is a surprise waiting to be unwrapped
Do you love growing tomatoes but find the variety choices overwhelming? Do you know what new varieties are recommended for WNC? Master Gardener Phil Roudebush and Dr. Reza Shekasteband from the NCSU Horticultural Research Station will discuss tomato types and varieties, culture, and disease resistance. They will also share new varieties and research from the NCSU Tomato Breeding and Genetics program and give you a glimpse into the future of tomatoes in WNC.
Calling all gardeners crazy about growing tomatoes! Learn best varieties to grow, their culture and disease management.