With its independent spirit, creative pulse, and mountain-town magic, Asheville shines in winter.
When the air turns crisp and the lights glow brighter, stages across the city come alive with music, laughter, and story. From bluegrass jams to Broadway hits, stand-up to symphonies, Asheville’s winter season offers countless ways to gather, celebrate, and be moved.
2026 Asheville Winter Festivals and Events
Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study
November 15, 2025 – February 17, 2026
Thomas Dambo’s newest troll sculptures make their U.S. debut at the Arboretum, exploring gardens and trails through Feb. 17, 2026. Six trolls are featured within Winter Lights (Nov. 15 – Jan. 4), adding a playful, imaginative element to Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition.
New Year's Resolution Run 5K and 10K
January 1, 2026 | Downtown Asheville
The 12th 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 2026.
Christmas at Biltmore + Candlelight Christmas Evenings
November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 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.
Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards
November 26, 2025 – January 19, 2026 | Asheville Yards
Step into the magic of the season at Asheville’s newest winter tradition. The Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards brings outdoor skating, twinkling lights, festive music, and cozy mountain vibes to downtown. Non-skaters can enjoy free entry to a lively Winter Wonderland featuring a holiday market, art installations, themed skate nights, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate and holiday cocktails. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions
November - April, Every 4th Thursday & Friday | YMI Cultural Center
Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Sessions in a building where music and art have long been the heartbeat of The Block. These sessions celebrate creativity, culture, and community.
Asheville Restaurant Week
January 20-26, 2026 & February 17-23, 2026 | 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.
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures
March 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Biltmore
Featuring nearly 1,000 dazzling expert-crafted replicas of King Tut’s exquisite burial goods, this exhibition is the only opportunity to experience his treasures in their entirety exactly as they were found.
Bluegrass First Class
February 13-15, 2026 | Crowne Plaza Resort
Enjoy a weekend of toe-tapping bluegrass music played by nationally-known and regional performers at the 31st annual Bluegrass First Class festival. This year's performers include Lonesome River Band, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, The Grascals, King James Boys and more.
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade
February 16, 2026 | 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 Life Is a Carnival!
SoCon Week
March 5-9, 2026 | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville
Get ready for an exciting atmosphere as Asheville rolls out the red carpet for SoCon student-athletes, staff, families, and fans. Cheer on your favorite teams in the Southern Conference Basketball and Wrestling Championships and turn the excitement into a full spring break getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville Marathon & Half
March 21, 2026 | Across Asheville
The New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half takes you on a scenic, point-to-point journey starting in vibrant downtown Asheville, cruising through historic neighborhoods, and wrapping up at New Belgium Brewing with a well-earned celebration. This USATF-certified course is a Boston Marathon qualifier and welcomes everyone—from first-timers to seasoned elites.
Fringe Arts Festival
March 15-22, 2026 | 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.
2026 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.
January Highlights
- January 11, 2026: Ondara Presents The Jet Stone Conspiracy at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- January 15, 2026: Ruston Kelly – Pale, Through the Window Tour (with verygently) at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- January 16, 2026: The Slocan Ramblers at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- January 16, 2026: Fred Eaglesmith at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- January 16, 2026: Killers of Kill Tonyat ExploreAsheville.com Arena
- January 17, 2026: Atmosphere – Winter Carnival Tour 2026 (with Sage Francis, R.A. The Rugged Man, Kool Keith & Mr. Dibbs) at The Orange Peel
- January 23, 2026: The Acting Company presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- January 24, 2026: The Acting Company presents Great Expectations at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- January 24, 2026: Sudan Archives – The BPM North America Tour 2026 at The Orange Peel
- January 28 – February 22, 2026: Jeeves in Bloom at NC Stage
- January 29, 2026: The Ocean Blue: Frigid Winter Days Tour with Brian Tighe of The Hang Ups at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- January 29, 2026: Sheng Wang at The Orange Peel
- January 30, 2026: The Wood Brothers at The Orange Peel
- January 31, 2026: The Wood Brothersat The Orange Peel
February Highlights
- February 5, 2026: The Movement – Visions Tour 2026 (with Tropidelic) at The Orange Peel
- February 6, 2026: LP & The Vinyl – From Blues to Beatles to Bowie at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- February 6 – 22, 2026: RENT at Asheville Community Theatre
- February 7, 2026: Pete Yorn – 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter (Solo Acoustic) at The Orange Peel
- February 10–11 & 13–14, 2026: Billy Strings at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
- February 12, 2026: Rory Scovel – Know Your Enemy Tour at The Orange Peel
- February 13, 2026: Dar Williams at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- February 14, 2026: Solas at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- February 15, 2026: Say She She – Cut & Rewind Tour at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- February 17–18, 2026: Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- February 19, 2026: Sal Vulcano – Everything’s Fine Tour at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
- February 20, 2026: Joshua Lozoff: Life is Magic at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- February 21, 2026: Stephane Wrembel at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- February 25, 2026: Wax Tailor (with Napoleon da Legend) at The Orange Peel
- February 26, 2026: Lotus – Rise of the Anglerfish Tour at The Orange Peel
- February 27–28, 2026: Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel – Celestun Tour at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- February 27–28, 2026: The Comedy Zone: Michael Palascak at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
March Highlights
- March 1, 2026: Jazz Is for Everyone: Ballads – Lost & Found at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- March 3, 2026: Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- March 4, 2026: Tab Benoit + Paul Thorn – One Night Only at The Orange Peel
- March 6, 2026: A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- March 6, 2026: Donna the Buffalo at The Orange Peel
- March 10, 2026: Ratboys – When the Sun Explodes Tour 2026 at Grey Eagle Music Hall
- March 12, 2026: Gary Numan at The Orange Peel
- March 13–14, 2026: BODYTRAFFIC at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- March 13, 2026: Cat Power – The Greatest Tour at The Orange Peel
- March 14, 2026: The Hives (with The Chats) at The Orange Peel
- March 18 – April 5, 2026: Tiny Beautiful Things at NC Stage
- March 21, 2026: John McCutcheon at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- March 21, 2026: Harlem Globetrotters – The 100 Year Tour at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
- March 31, 2026: Puscifer – The Normal Isn’t Tour (with special guest Dave Hill) at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
*Events will be updated as more concerts and performances are added
