Looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC? Whether you’re a local or just passing through we’ve got loads of great tips and events to help you find your perfect adventure.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Monday, December 30, 2024
Holidays at the Zoo
Dec 30 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Greenville Zoo

Holidays at the Zoo returns for its 4th year of holiday cheer! Immerse yourself in thousands of dazzling lights, festive decorations, and cheerful music while you journey through the Greenville Zoo.

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
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.

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.

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Standup Comedy Pageant Finale
Jan 29 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy Pageant Finale
Wednesday January 29, 2025.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)

Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!

Participants are WINNERS of three standup contests 9/05, 12 & 19. Pageant Winner gets title and $200 cash prize. Audience votes thru ballot!
Free snacks and outside food allowed.
9/5 winner Zandra Johnson
9/12 winners tied Roman Fraden & Jordan Julius
9/19 winner Jason Reel
Plus mystery wild card contestant!
This show is more than just great standup! Contestants must vie for the title through games. Audience votes thru ballot.

More info contact Michele at [email protected]
Tickets: https://theorangepeel.net/event/standup-comedy-pageant/pulp/asheville-north-carolina/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECfza5TKK/
IG: @SliceofLifeComedy

Friday, February 7, 2025
Voices of Impact: An Evening of Storytelling, Ideas and Inspiration
Feb 7 @ 6:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

February 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the historic Wortham Center for the Performing Arts as Voices of Impact takes the stage to inspire and ignite change. This one-of-a-kind event brings together visionary speakers to explore the profound connections between leadership, community, and the planet through powerful stories, innovative ideas, and inspirational perspectives.

What to Expect:

  • Inspiring Talks: Thought-provoking presentations from changemakers across sectors such as business and leadership, culture, finance, and nature.
  • Interactive Engagement: Opportunities for audience participation and meaningful dialogue.
  • Speaker Q&A: A chance to connect directly with the speakers during a post-event discussion.

Voices of Impact creates a space where ideas flow, voices are amplified, and connections flourish. Come with curiosity, leave with inspiration and practical next steps, and join a community committed to shaping a better future.

We invite business leaders, visionaries, and curious minds to join us in celebrating the power of ideas, leadership, and collaboration.

Seats are limited—don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this extraordinary night!

Blind Date Live
Feb 7 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Asheville, are you ready to heat things up? Blind Date Live is back on February 7th—and this time, we’re moving to a new home, The Orange Peel! Get ready for a night where love is unscripted, unfiltered, and more than a little unpredictable.

Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or just there to see sparks fly, this is your chance to witness true love unfold in real time. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and we’re kicking things off with a sultry mixer from 7-8 PM to set the mood. Slip into the crowd, grab a drink, and who knows—you might just lock eyes with someone special. Or… maybe they’re just looking for the bathroom. How about that one? Oh, nope, they’re waving to their friend behind you. Awkward.

Then, at 8 PM, the real fun begins. Hosted by Donnie Rex Bishop and Cayla Clark, watch as real Asheville singles dive headfirst into live first dates onstage. Meanwhile, the fabulous Toni Brown will be our maître d’, making sure everything runs smoothly, and DJ Lil Meow Meow will be spinning tunes to keep the energy going all night long.

There might be fireworks, there WILL be intense oversharing, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat through it all. Don’t worry, though—the audience is strictly there to watch. No participation required.

This isn’t just another night out. It’s steamy, unpredictable, and full of moments you’ll never forget (and a few you might wish you could). Whether you’re here to watch romance bloom, relish in the awkward moments, or just soak up the perversion, Blind Date Live has you covered.

Saturday, February 8, 2025
Chronic Pain? Fascia Decompression with Block Therapy for Breast and Lungs
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the breast/chest and lung area.
Spending an hour on each breast/pec area is a game changer for the body as a whole. This will be invaluable to breast health, to improve your breath and lift the ribcage for overall upper body alignment. This is a must have for everyone! It is recommended to attend the other workshops or complete the 9 day starter program before doing this workshop. Please see referral link below if you would like to purchase a block and 9 day starter program.

Block Therapy combines sustained pressure and diaphragmatic breathing to dissolve fascial adhesions connected to the bone. Fascia, which grips bone at 2000 pounds per square inch, can lead to misalignment over time. This method reverses misalignment and promotes body symmetry as the ribcage often collapses into core causing a cascade of issues for alignment and organs and glands.

Join us Saturday 1-3 pm for a 2 hour fascia decompression workshop and tap into your body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Friday, February 14, 2025
2025 Valentine’s Train
Feb 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a scenic train ride along the picturesque Tuckasegee River. Departing at 6:00 PM from Bryson City, our journey will take you through the enchanting 836-foot-long tunnel before returning at approximately 9:00 PM. Indulge in a chef-prepared three-course meal featuring a Caesar salad, your choice of 8 oz. prime rib or Norwegian salmon with seasonal sides, or a vegetarian option of balsamic glazed grilled Portobello eggplant over quinoa. Conclude your meal with a decadent chocolate mini mousse and a complimentary glass of champagne in a souvenir stemless wineglass. Each guest will also receive a rose to commemorate this special evening. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience!

2025 FuseFest: Firing Up The Foothills
Feb 14 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary

Live Jazz by Trevor Darden @ Soprana Rooftop
Feb 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Soprana Rooftop Cucina

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Soprana Rooftop with live jazz by Trevor Darden, a specially curated Valentine’s Day menu, cocktail specials, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Join us on February 14th from 6 to 9 PM for an unforgettable evening. Book reservation today.

Saturday, February 15, 2025
Chronic Pain? Fascia Decompression with Block Therapy
Feb 15 all-day
Happy Body

This block therapy workshop we will be focusing on the core and ribs to move stuck energy from pain and trauma. This is a slow and relaxed class focusing on connecting to full conscious breath to open areas where emotions are stored in the fascia. Pain, fear, and stress cause us to hold our breath as a protective mechanism to shield ourselves. When breath becomes paralyzed from trauma pain and stress, there is no movement of that energy out of the body. In this workshop we are going to be releasing past/current patterns of breathing, created by trauma, pain , and stress. Our breath is directly connected to our nervous system, so this practice relaxes the nervous system so the body can get out of flight and flight or freeze and into rest, digest, and heal.

We use a rolled-up towel to begin as this process of unwinding takes time and can cause detoxification symptoms. Please bring a towel with you for the class. A medium sized towel works great.

2025 FuseFest: Firing Up The Foothills
Feb 15 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary

Great Buzz Gathering
Feb 15 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Mule at Devil's Foot

Step Into the World of Pollinators at the 6th Annual Great Buzz Gathering!

Imagine a world without vibrant blooms, flourishing crops, or thriving wildlife. That’s the reality we face without pollinators—the tiny but mighty creatures essential to life on Earth. On Saturday, February 15, you’re invited to the The Mule at Devil’s Foot in Asheville to celebrate these unsung heroes and explore how we can all play a part in their conservation.

From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a community united by a passion for biodiversity, native plants, and protecting pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning to appreciate the beauty of bees, butterflies, and beyond, this event offers something for everyone.

You’ll enjoy five captivating 10-minute talks from experts on topics like the effects of climate change on pollinators, the best trees to plant for recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, and exciting updates on the Asheville Butterfly Trail. Each presentation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Come early to explore exhibitor tables filled with resources, tips, and tools to make your garden, neighborhood, or community a haven for pollinators. Grab a bite or a beverage, connect with like-minded attendees, and soak up the buzz of excitement.

Pollinators are more than just insects; they’re the foundation of ecosystems and essential to our survival. Yet, nearly half of them are at risk of extinction. That’s why Bee City USA, founded here in Asheville, has grown to a nationwide movement of 426 affiliates, all dedicated to safeguarding these vital creatures.

This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action, a chance to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.

So, whether you’re passionate about gardening, fascinated by biodiversity, or simply curious about how to help, this is your opportunity to join the movement. Together, let’s create a world where pollinators—and all life—can thrive.

Doors open at 12 PM for lunch and networking. The program begins at 1 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Sunday, February 16, 2025
2025 FuseFest: Firing Up The Foothills
Feb 16 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tryon Arts & Crafts School

Join Tryon Arts & Crafts School for an immersive fused glass workshop series! Students will begin the weekend with a kick-off social, followed by workshops led by Barbara Cashman of SilkeMat® (Greensboro, NC), Larry Pile of Larry Pile Glass (Dallas, TX) , Deb Williams of Mark Bettis Gallery (Asheville, NC), with breakfast and lunch catered by local Tryon establishments. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore TACS’ campus, which includes 7 art studios, a Heritage Collections, the Artisan Retail Shop, Library, and outdoor sculptures! No experience necessary

Saturday, March 1, 2025
March Madness Book Sale
Mar 1 all-day
Black Mountain Library

Join at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 1 for the Friends of the Black Mountain Library March Madness Book Sale. We’ll provide a bag that you can fill with adult books for $5. Children’s books are 4/$1, puzzles are $2, and antique books are priced as marked. The sale ends at 1 p.m. Members of the Friends of the Black Mountain Library can shop early at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 6, 2025
Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!
Mar 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.

Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!
Mar 6 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Wortham Presents Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!

Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.