This Weekend in Asheville

Rock N Roll Weekend

Friday-Sunday, January 30-February 1, various times
Omni Grove Park Inn

Turn up the classics with a weekend full of iconic rock tribute performances! On Friday, experience the high-energy show of Crush: The Bon Jovi Experience, bringing all the hits and an unforgettable performance. Then, on Saturday, groove to the timeless sounds of Fleetwood Macked.

Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo

Friday-Sunday, January 23-25, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The North Carolina Arboretum

Wander the gardens and trails alongside curious wooden explorers as art and nature collide in a playful outdoor adventure. Crafted from reclaimed materials, these towering troll sculptures invite visitors to slow down, follow a treasure map, and see the world through fresh eyes, blending imagination, sustainability, and discovery into this one-of-a-kind experience.

Land of the Sky XXXVIII Chess Tournament

Friday-Sunday, January 30 - February 1, various times
Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort

The people’s chess tournament returns. Come out and watch as U.S. Chess Federation members battle for cash prizes while they strategize for a checkmate.

Lets Get Our Head in the Clouds!

Saturday, January 30, 3 - 5 p.m.
Trackside Studios

Get hands-on experience in the studio. Learn techniques for creating depth, drama, and light and explore methods like lifting paint, shaping soft and hard edges, balancing warm and cool shadows, and layering your chosen medium, along with practical tips for brush control and handling.

Breath Medicine: Breathwork Inside the Cave

Saturday, January 30, 6 - 7 p.m.
Asheville Salt Cave & Spa

Reset your nervous system with a restorative breathwork session held inside a calming salt cave. This guided experience blends conscious connected breathing, gentle meditation, visualization, and music with the natural benefits of halotherapy to ease stress, restore energy, and support overall well-being. Open to all levels for adults in good health.

First Sip Fest

Sunday, February 1, 2 - 3 p.m.
The Whale

Mark the end of Dry January with your first sip at The Whale. Grab a celebration sticker and hear the gong ring as you officially welcome beer back into the mix.

Live Music, Comedy, Dance and Theatre

Double Crown

Friday, January 30:

• Live Music: Frances Eliza at Sweeten Creek Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Live Music: Stephen Evans at Ginger's Revenge, 6 p.m.
• Crisp Comedy featuring Jason Reel, at Noble Cider, 7 p.m.
• The Wood Brothers Night One at The Orange Peel, 7 p.m.
• Dine with Divas Celebrity Impersonators Drag Dinner at Highland Brewing Company, 7 p.m.
• Jeeves in Bloom at NC Stage Company, 7:30 p.m.
• True Loves with Lando Moss at Asheville Music Hall, 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 31:

• Live Music: Noah Gray at Sweeten Creek Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Central United Methodist Church, 6:30 p.m.
• The Wood Brothers Night Two at The Orange Peel, 7 p.m.
• Comedy: Corey Ryan Forrester at Eulogy, 7 p.m.
• Jeeves in Bloom at NC Stage Company, 7:30 p.m.
• Log's Electric Space Whistle Sound Bath at Vintage Kava, 8 p.m.
• Adam Ezra Group at French Broad River Brewery, 8 p.m.
• Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA at Central United Methodist Church of Asheville, 8:45 p.m.
• Virginia and the Slims in the Palm Room at Fitz and the Wolfe, 9 p.m.
• Peri Meters + Felski w/ Mx. NiXx at Nightshade, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 1: 

• Suns of Stars at One World Brewing West, 2 p.m.
• Jeeves in Bloom at NC Stage Company, 2 p.m.
• Jazz Jam Sundays at Ginger's Revenge, 2:30 p.m.
• Community Kirtan and Song Circle at The Well, 6:30 p.m.
• Boombox Bingo with Geeks that Drink at Wicked Weed West, 7 p.m.
• RAD Comedy featuring Kenny Stempien at RAD Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Friendship w/ Natalie Jane Hill at Grey Eagle, 8 p.m.

Tailgate & Specialty Pop-Up Markets

Shop local at the Asheville area's numerous farmers, tailgate, and holiday markets. Here's a look at some of the markets you can visit this weekend:

• Children's Entrepreneur Market at Kimmel Arena, UNCA, Sat. 1:30 - 4 p.m.
• WNC Farmers Market at 570 Brevard Road, open 7 days a week, year-round, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.    

Visit an art studio or art exhibition 

Asheville is home to hundreds of artists, galleries and studios making creative expression a way of life here in the mountains. Here is a look at some of the current art exhibitions in the city:

• Artful Journey: Allan Rohan Crite: Urban Glory at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Opening Reception: Dialogue: Lindenfeld + Lindenfeld at Black Mountain College Musuem + Arts Center, Fri. 5:30 - 8 p.m.
• PERSPECTIVES Artist Talk: Naomi Lindenfeld at Black Mountain College Musuem + Arts Center, Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Art Earth and Soul Kollective at YMI Cultural Center, Sat. 5 - 9 p.m.
• Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo at The North Carolina Arboretum, through Feb. 17
• Look Homeward, Angel: Letterio Calapai’s Wood Engravings at Asheville Art Museum, through Feb. 22
• Modern Bestiary: Creatures from the Collection at Asheville Art Museum, through Mar. 25
• Highwater: Ceramics from the Gail & Brian McCarthy Collection at Asheville Art Museum, through Apr. 26
• Our Changing World at Asheville Museum of Science, through Apr. 30
• Dialogue: Lindenfeld + Lindenfeld at Black Mountain College Musuem + Arts Center, through May 9
• Gear Up: The Science of Bikes at Asheville Museum of Science, through May. 14
• Women of the Pacific Northwest at Asheville Art Museum, through May 17

Packages and Deals

Save some money this weekend with these special offers from area attractions and accommodations.

• $89.00 Winter Getaway Special at Hampton Inn Asheville - Tunnel Rd.
• 25% off in February at Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
• Couple Retreat Package at Asheville Salt Cave and Spa