With an independent spirit, vibrant culture and a booming music scene, Asheville is one of the best places to go in the winter months for entertainment. If you're looking for things to do in Asheville this winter take a look at our guide below. From bluegrass to comedy, musicals to concerts, Asheville is ready to put on a show this winter season.
2025 Asheville Winter Festivals and Events
New Year's Resolution Run 5K and 10K
January 1, 2025 Downtown Asheville
The 11th annual Resolution Run 5K and 10K races through the streets of downtown Asheville on New Year’s Day. This race welcomes families and participants of all ages to come run or crawl their way to completing their FIRST New Year’s Resolution! Bring warm layers of clothes, tie up your running shoes, and get ready to run into 2025.
Christmas at Biltmore + Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025 Biltmore
Enjoy a magical day or evening at Biltmore, where the elegant rooms of Biltmore House shimmer and sparkle with elegant Christmas trees, ribbons, garlands and thousands of twinkling lights. In the evening, the Biltmore House comes alive with flickering candlelight, glowing fireplaces and live music that makes you feel like a guest at the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895.
Asheville Restaurant Week
January 2025 dates TBA, Multiple Restaurants
Savor in Asheville's award-winning dining scene during Asheville Restaurant Week. Dozens of Asheville's independent restaurants participate by offering a specialty menu and/or special prices, giving you the chance to taste a wide variety of cuisines from many of the city's favorite eateries.
Taste of Asheville
February 2025 dates TBA, AB Tech-Mission Health Conference Center
The Asheville Independent Restaurant (AIR) association will celebrate its 21st birthday by highlighting Asheville's nationally-known Foodtopia food culture. As part of the event, nearly 60 Asheville-area independent restaurants will provide food and beverage tastings.
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade
February 2025 dates TBA, South Slope – Downtown Asheville
Asheville sure knows how to throw a street party! Experience this family-friendly parade and Queen’s ball showcasing an array of colorful characters and performers. This year's theme is Secret Garden!
Bluegrass First Class
February 2025 dates TBA, Crowne Plaza Resort
Enjoy a weekend of toe-tapping bluegrass music played by nationally-known and regional performers. This year's performers include Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Southern Legacy.
Asheville Celtic Fest
February 2025 dates TBA, WNC Agricultural Center
Celebrate age-old traditions at the Asheville Celtic Fest, a winter indoor and outdoor festival that brings the Celtic Spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The festival features food, drink, music, dress, craft and athleticism of the Celtic heritage.
Omni Grove Park Inn Winter Concert Weekend
February 2025 dates TBA, Omni Grove Park Inn
On Friday, February 23, prepare for an evening brimming with infectious laughter during our comedy show headlined by Jeff Allen, known for his appearances on America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Amazon, Dry Bar Comedy and more. Spend Saturday, February 24, rockin’ to legendary sounds from Monsters of Yacht, playing yacht rock style classics from artists like Toto, Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers and more. Doors open at 7:30pm; performances begin at 8:00pm.
Black Mountain Marathon & Mt. Mitchell Challenge
February 2025 dates TBA, Black Mountain
This annual race begins at dawn in Black Mountain and follows trails to the summit of Mt. Mitchell, which at 6,684’ is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. You can choose to run only the 26.2 marathon portion, but if you have what it takes then you can continue on to run the ultra for a total of 40 miles to reach the tiptop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships
February 2025 dates TBA, Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville! Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action. The 2023 Championships will also include fun fan events for people of all ages throughout the tournament.
Zelda Fitzgerald Week
February 2025 dates TBA, Aurora Studio & Gallery, Inc & downtown Ashevile
Zelda Fitzgerald Week will be celebrating its ninth season, with events happening around Asheville. Enjoy book readings, panels and a special tarot reading.
Asheville Wine & Chocolate Festival
February 2025 dates TBA, Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
This festival features numerous regional wine and chocolate vendors, as well as other local businesses offering clothing, jewelry and more.
Asheville Marathon & Half
February 2025 dates TBA, River Arts District Greenway
The race begins in the heart of downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Runners will then weave their way down to the French Broad River where they will explore the River Arts District's amazing greenway system.
Fringe Arts Festival
February 2025 dates TBA, Multiple Venues
The multiple-venue performing arts festival provides a stage for emerging artists and acts. All the work is either new to Asheville, or a premiere, created just for the Asheville Fringe.
2025 Asheville Winter Concerts & Performing Arts Calendar
See our Asheville events calendar for a full list of upcoming shows and performances. Check back for a list of highlights here.
*Events will be updated as more exciting concerts and performances are added
Winter Art Exhibits
River Arts District Second Saturdays
2025 dates TBA, River Arts District
The Studio Stroll offers a unique opportunity to tour numerous studios and galleries belonging to Asheville’s most celebrated artists. Not only can you meet the artists, but you can also get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their art.
