event-calendar

October 26 » Asheville
This event is a fundraiser for Homeward Bound of WNC, an organization dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness through permanent housing. Musicians are set to come together at The Grey Eagle for this worthy cause, and expect a silent auction at this family friendly venue. Bands already on tap include Coconut Cake, Eleanor & Friends, Dr. Funky Squirrel, After Ours, and King Garbage. » The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave.; Sunday, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; $25-$30; (828) 782-0016; thegreyeagle.com

November 8 » Cherokee
Celebrate Indigenous fashion of the past and present at this fashion and art event. Kananesgi is the Cherokee word for spider, an animal that represents creativity and being skilled with your hands. The art show preceding the main event displays the work of more than 30 Indigenous artists; at the evening fashion show, guests can see custom EBCI designs and the works of other guest Indigenous designers across the stage. » Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, 777 Casino Dr.; Saturday, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; price varies for fashion show, free for market & art show; (828) 359-5005; kananesgi.com

November 8 » Valdese
Embrace the holiday spirit early this year in November at the Old Rock School, a historic school meeting building built in 1922. This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a variety of handcrafted gifts perfect for early holiday shopping from dozens of craft vendors. Hand gifts include hard carved wood crafts, soaps, holiday décor, and more. This event also features a raffle of various prizes. Attendees are given a passport at the door and must attend each booth to have it stamped for a chance to win prizes. » Old Rock School, 400 Main St. W; Friday, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Admissions: $2 or free with the donation of a canned good; (828) 879-2126; visitvaldese.com

November 13-16 » Highlands
Foodies and oenophiles gather annually at this four-day event featuring exquisite culinary creations and local wines. More than 60 renowned chefs and 100 beverage partners will be represented, along with live music. The grand tasting kicks off the event on Thursday. Enjoy concerts from The Psycodelics, Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, Railroad Earth, Nikki Lane, the Wallflowers and Blind Boys of Alabama. » Downtown Highlands, various locations and times; $75-$375; highlandsfoodandwine.com 

November 15, 2025-February 17, 2026 » Asheville

Danish artist Thomas Dambo, in collaboration with Imagine, brings a unique, interactive, and whimsical exhibit to the NC Arboretum: 12 trolls sculpted from reclaimed wood such as tree branches, pallets, and twigs, and reaching heights of nine feet. Fun, curious pieces, these fanciful sculptures dot the arboretum’s gardens and trails, greeting guests, who are provided with a “treasure map” to track the trolls. Six of them will be part of the center’s Winter Lights program. “Thomas Dambo’s use of reclaimed wood resonates deeply, especially considering the changes to our landscape after Hurricane Helene,” notes Arboretum Executive Director Drake Fowler. “With these trolls, guests will discover a renewed sense of fun, exploration, play and adventure.” » NC Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmstead Way; daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; $20+ parking, no admission; (828) 665-2492; ncarboretum.org

November 18, 2025 -January 4, 2026 » Asheville
For more than three decades, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn has hosted this friendly and much-beloved holiday event. The hotel will host the 12 Days of Gingerbread from December 1-12, announcing one finalist via social media each day. Public viewing at the Omni is anytime after 4 p.m. on Sundays or either Monday-Thursdays, excluding December 7, 23-26, 30-31 and January 1. » Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave.; Sundays-Thursdays, free, $30-$40 parking; (800) 438-5800; omnihotels.com

November 28-December 21 » Flat Rock
For every local, the true start of the Christmas season begins with the beloved tradition of Flat Rock Playhouse’s annual production. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this cherished holiday show is described by FRP Music Director Ethan Anderson as “a holiday love-letter to our community.” Since its inception in 1952, Flat Rock Playhouse has been a cornerstone of local entertainment, delighting audiences with its exceptional talent and creative flair. Experience the magic of Leiman Mainstage as the curtain rises on this festive production, featuring music, laughter, and heartwarming performances that capture the essence of Christmas in Flat Rock.  »  Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy; Various dates and times; $60-$80, $32-$52 17 and under; (828) 693-0731; flatrockplayhouse.org

December 5-6 » Asheville
Grovewood Gallery is the place to go for some festive, art-heavy holiday shopping, all while enjoying adult bevs, thanks to sponsor Metro Wines. Expect demos from on-site artisans, and discounts. There will be plenty of arts and crafts to choose from, representing numerous mediums, including pottery, glass, fabric, jewelry, and wood—all handcrafted in small studios across the US. » Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 214-7768; grovewood.com

December 6 »  Brevard
Downtown Brevard’s annual holiday festival transforms the city into a snowy winter wonderland. On Main Street, witness the tree-lighting ceremony while perusing for gifts at various vendor booths. There will also be live music performances like the Tuba Christmas concert and Carolina Dance Collaborative dances, and savory local food and drinks for sale from Brevard’s restaurants. Activities include skating on the ice rink, hayrides, and shopping downtown for holiday gifts. Kids can visit the Letter to Santa station to send off their wishes. A local favorite is the Chamber Christmas Parade to usher in the holiday spirit in the heart of Brevard. » Courthouse, Downtown Brevard; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; free; (828) 884-3278; explorebrevard.com