The Laurel of Asheville

RAD Comedy featuring Kenny Stempien
2026-02-01 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, 28801
Modelface Comedy brings the best comedians from all over the country to Asheville, NC. This week we are excited to have Kenny Stempien from Atlanta!
Kenny Stempien is an Atlanta based comedian by way of Asheville, NC. He is a weekend regular at The Laughing Skull in Atlanta, a Helium Comedy Club’s Funniest semi-finalist, and has performed at the West End Comedy Festival.
featuring: Sarah Love, Derek Boskovich and more!
ages 18+
Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Tickets $15

21st Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
2026-02-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, NC, 28720, United States
Join us for one of our favorite days of the year! Chimney Rock’s hardworking woodchuck will make a prediction not only about how much more winter we will have, but who we will be the Super Bowl winner.

Toddler Dance Class: Arctic Animals for Ages 1.5–3 | Black Mountain Arts
2026-02-02 10:00 - 2026-03-09 10:30 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
Explore Winter Fun & Movement with Your Little One – Grown-Up & Me Arctic Animals
Embark on a frosty, fun-filled adventure in Grown-Up & Me Dance: Arctic Animals! This class invites little explorers ages 1.5–3 and their trusted adults to groove, twirl, and wiggle through the magical world of polar bears, penguins, and snowy arctic friends. Children begin to strengthen their gross motor skills, discover rhythm and musicality, spark early language and listening abilities, and gently practice being part of a classroom environment. Every session is a joyful opportunity to bond, move, and imagine side by side, laying the foundation for confidence and creativity in future movement experiences.

Preschool Dance Class: Arctic Animals Ages 3–5 | Black Mountain Arts
2026-02-02 10:30 - 2026-03-09 11:00 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
Leap, Glide, and Stomp Through Winter Fun – Morning Mini-Movers Arctic Animals
Bundle up for a frosty fun adventure in Morning Mini Movers: Arctic Animals! In this playful winter mini-mester, dancers aged 3–5 will leap like Arctic hares, glide like penguins, and stomp like snow-covered polar bears as they explore dance through an imaginative, snow-themed experience. Each class helps young movers develop coordination, rhythm, focus, and creativity while building confidence in a classroom setting. Along the way, they’ll practice social skills, teamwork, and independence—laying a strong foundation for future dance classes, sports, and all kinds of movement activities.

Creative Writing Essentials with Shelby Wardlaw
2026-02-02 17:00 - 2026-02-23 18:30 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
“Do you have a story to tell? Do you scribble ideas down on napkins and notecards? Have you always felt the urge to write, but are unsure how to get started? In this fun and dynamic class, students will learn the essentials of masterful storytelling. Each class will include a craft talk, a mentor text, free writing prompts and time for sharing written work.
Register
By the end of four weeks, you will know:
How to mine your memories for inspiration
How to get past mental blocks
How to build complex, believable characters
How to tie characters to setting
How to enhance your plot through an understanding of place
How to craft catchy dialogue that draws the reader in
Plus you’ll leave with four weeks’ worth of free writes, prompts, and story ideas to get your
writing projects going.
Excellent for beginners, intermediate students, or anyone who just needs a focused setting to kick start their creative work.
​
Shelby Wardlaw is a writer, teacher, and translator. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction from
Columbia University and currently teaches in the Writing Program at Rutgers University. Her fiction, non-fiction and Russian poetry translations have appeared in Drafthorse, Interim, Northwest Review, Hunger Mountain, iō Literary Journal, Philadelphia Stories, hex literary, Vassar Review, and the Neon Door Literary Exhibit. In the spring of 2020, she won Honorable mention in the Pigeon Pages Fiction Contest. She was a Finalist for the 2021 Salamander Fiction Prize and the 2021 McGlinn Prize for Fiction and was selected as one of the top five finalists in The Writer magazine’s 2020 Fall Short Story Contest. In 2022, her story “Papaya Erectus” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Praised by The Writer editorial staff as a “stunningly talented writer,” Shelby is now working on her first novel.”

Metalsmithing 101: The Basics -A 4-Part Series Feb 2026
2026-02-02 17:30 - 21:30 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Want to learn to make jewelry? This beginner friendly introductory metalsmithing course teaches the basics skills involved in making your own jewelry. Learn to use a variety of tools and equipment common in a jewelry studio.
This 4-Part series will teach many techniques including sawing, filing, polishing, soldering, textures, and more! $499 plus a $65 materials fee (paid separate at the class)
Class Times: Monday evenings 5:30-9:30 pm Feb 2/9/16/23
Students will also have access to 4 “use it or lose it” Open Studio sessions throughout the course to practice their skills. A knowledgable instructor is present during these sessions for questions and safety.
Open Studio Hours: Wed 10-4
By the end of the series each students will have at least 2-3 finished jewelry pieces and likely many more!

5Rhythms Sweat Your Prayers® on Weds Nights hosted by Karen
2026-02-04 17:00 - 18:45 | Homewood, 19 Zillicoa St, Asheville, NC, 28801
Joy and Bliss in the Body. Lyrical Wave
Lyrical Rhythm, the fourth rhythm of the Maps created Gabrielle Roth gives us lightness, joy, playful and transformational energy in our bodies! It is a feeling of enjoying our movement in the body. The feeling of ecstasy that fulfills the body!
It takes discipline to be a free spirit! Gabrielle Roth. Pic by Roland Hechanova.
About Karen:
5Rhythms dance is for everyone. This meditative freeform dancing practice was created by dancer and visionary Gabriellle Roth. Accredited 5Rhythms teacher Karen Chapman has been hosting dances in Asheville and around the country for 9 years. Through the dance, Karen acts as a guide for the dancer on their journey through the rhythms. Karen is interested in how energy moves on the dance floor through the Breath and Body!
Dance movement timeline:
Doors open at 5 PM for warm up and close at 5:45 for the opening circle. The wave is complete at 6:45PM. If you can arrive at 5 PM that is best but you are welcome to come to the dance anytime before 5:45 PM.
5 PM: Warm-up, Meditative stretching and dancing.
5:45 PM: Doors Close, Opening circle
Demonstration of the 5 Rhythms of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness.
6 PM: Dancing the wave of the 5 Rhythms
6:45: Closing Circle/End
Thank you and see ya on the dance floor soon! Love K

Modelface Comedy presents First Jokes 2026
2026-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
New Year – New Jokes
First Jokes is a show featuring 25 of Asheville’s best comedians sharing the first jokes they have written in 2026!
All new jokes for a new years
Hosted by Ryan Brown
Featuring Aaron Naylor, Amanda Neal, Austin Elfers, Ben Gibson, Ben Jennings, CJ Green, Clay Jones, Cloud Hudson, Danny Felix, Derek Boskovich, Isaac Truman, Jason Reel, Jordan Ballard, Julia Macias, Larry Griffin, Linday Barsi, Min McWilliams, Ryan Cox, Ryan Gordon, Sarah Love, Zandra Johnson and more!
ages 18+
doors at 6:30, show at 7pm
Tickets $18 GA, $23 premium seating*
20% of ticket sales will be going to BeLoved Asheville
*premium seating is the front three rows

Head, Heart, and Hand: Works by Tommy Simpson | Art Exhibition at Black Mountain Center for the Arts
2026-02-06 10:00 - 2026-02-27 17:00 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
HEAD, HEART, AND HAND Works by Tommy Simpson
Opening Reception: February 6th
Exhibition Runs: February 6 – March 1, Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free and Open to the Public
Black Mountain Center for the Arts is proud to present an exhibition of works by renowned artist Tommy Simpson, whose imaginative approach to craft has captivated audiences for decades. An “imaginist” at heart, Simpson transforms functional furniture into vibrant three-dimensional canvases that blur the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and design.
Known for his playful combination of mixed woods, found objects, and whimsical imagery, Simpson’s work springs from a childhood spent creating with scrap wood and encouragement from his great-aunt Florence. Though he never formally studied furniture making, Simpson has developed a distinctive visual language that engages viewers through rich textures, unexpected materials, and storytelling surfaces.
Each piece in this exhibition embodies Simpson’s belief that different woods can speak to us in multiple ways—a philosophy that has earned him recognition in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection and beyond. His painted furniture invites us to reconsider the objects around us, finding wonder in the everyday and magic in the handmade.
Join us for this rare opportunity to experience the convergence of head, heart, and hand in Tommy Simpson’s enchanting body of work.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Free Admission | All Welcome.

Inside the Imaginist's Workshop: Tommy Simpson Artist Talk, Book Launch & Film
2026-02-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
Step inside the imaginative world of renowned artist and furniture maker Tommy Simpson during a special Artist Talk, Book Launch, and Film Screening celebrating his exhibition Head, Heart & Hand at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts.
This free, public event brings together storytelling, film, and conversation for a rich, behind-the-scenes look at Simpson’s decades-long creative practice. The morning includes a screening of Living in a World I Created (produced by Erick Wolken), the launch of The Art and Furniture of Tommy Simpson by author Oscar Fitzgerald, and a presentation of artwork with an intimate conversation led by Simpson himself.
An “imaginist” at heart, Simpson transforms functional furniture into vibrant, three-dimensional canvases—blurring the lines between painting, sculpture, and design. Drawing from a childhood spent building with scrap wood and guided by intuition rather than formal training, his work combines mixed woods, found objects, and whimsical imagery into richly textured, story-filled pieces. His belief that different woods “speak” in their own voices has earned him national recognition, including inclusion in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection.
Join us for this rare opportunity to experience the convergence of head, heart, and hand through film, words, and conversation—and to celebrate an artist whose work invites us to find wonder in the everyday and magic in the handmade.
Friday, February 6 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Free admission • No registration required • All are welcome

Celebrate Black Children’s Book Week in Asheville!
2026-02-06 18:00 - 19:30 | 1 Granada St., Asheville, NC 28806, 1 Granada St., Asheville, 28806
Celebrate Black Children’s Book Week with Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe!
Join us on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the PVA Community Center (1 Granada St., Asheville) for a free, family-friendly celebration filled with stories, play, and community connection.
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon, pediatric speech-language pathologist and author of My Superhero Aurie, for a special author storytime celebrating friendship, neurodiversity, and the strengths that make every child shine.
Families can enjoy interactive literacy games, reading activities with prizes, face painting, a live DJ, and “breakfast for dinner” with a cereal bar from Chill Cereal Bar. The first 50 families will receive a free signed copy of My Superhero Aurie along with family reading resources.
Come celebrate Black Children’s Book Week with joy, creativity, and a love of reading—everyone is welcome!
What: Celebrate Black Children’s Book Week in Asheville!
When: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: FREE | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: PVA Community Center, 1 Granada St., Asheville, NC 28806

Special Event: LP & The Vinyl – From Blues to Beatles to Bowie
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
A Benefit for Arts for All Kids
Fri, Feb 6 • 7 pm
Sit center stage and step into the spotlight. Join us on the Diana Wortham Theatre stage for an unforgettable evening where every note played helps open doors to the arts for WNC students.
Enjoy intimate on-stage seating, light bites and drinks, a silent auction, and a soul-stirring performance by LP & the Vinyl. Order your tickets today—seating is limited.
Arts for All Kids opens doors to the performing arts for students across Western North Carolina through scholarships and creative opportunities—empowering students to explore, imagine, and connect both on stage and beyond.

Hot Riffs Comedy at Asheville Guitar Pedals
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Asheville Guitar Pedals, 444 Haywood Rd., Asheville, 28806
Modelface Comedy brings the best comedians from all over the country to Asheville, NC. This week we are excited to have our first show at Asheville Guitar Pedals!
Hot Riffs Comedy features the best local and regional comedians on the iconic AVL Guitar Pedals stage in West Asheville.
This show features headliner Alyx Libby from Atlanta
also featuring Austin Elfers, Jordan Ballard and Clay Jones
ages 18+
Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Tickets $15

Ronn McFarlane & Carolyn Surrick Live Concert | Black Mountain Arts
2026-02-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
Experience Lute & Viola da Gamba Magic in Concert – Thursday, February 6
This special concert features Ronn McFarlane on lute and Carolyn Surrick on viola da gamba. Both of these distinguished artists have been champions of their respective instruments for decades, immersing themselves in various forms of folk and chamber music. Renaissance and Baroque music is in their repertoire, but they also play traditional Celtic and Swedish folk tunes, 19th and 20th century compositions, and original compositions from each of them. Ronn and Carolyn take these ancient instruments and place them in a timeless context that captivates and entertains their audiences. Individually, they have been awarded, acclaimed, celebrated, and now finally, they have become musical partners in an extraordinary journey. Their musicianship is impeccable, the ease with which they play together is stunning, and their music-making is a joy to behold.
Ronn McFarlane & Carolyn Surrick in Concert
Lute and Viola da Gamba duo
February 6 • 7:30pm
Tickets $20

Fiber & Textiles - CALL FOR ART
2026-02-07 08:00 - 2026-02-22 17:00 | Arrowhead Gallery and Studios, 77 Catawba Ave.,, Old Fort, 28762
Arrowhead Art Gallery & Studios in Old Fort, NC, is accepting entries for their February exhibit, “Fiber & Textiles.”
The show will run from February 7 to February 22
DETAILS:
These are the fabrics of our lives, the threads that hold us all together. Texture, warmth, color, and tactile are words that may come to mind. The world of Fiber & Textiles offers endless possibilities ~ woven, spun, felted, sewn, knit, crocheted, paper, etc.
Share Your Passion!
CONTACT:
Arrowhead Gallery & Studios – (828) 668-6119
www.arrowheadart.org
The Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League (A3L) is a​501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the arts in the Old Fort and surrounding communities.

Hammered Wide Band Ring
2026-02-07 10:00 - 2026-03-28 12:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s fabulous instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.
These also make great wedding bands! Come make your own wedding bands (or each other’s) in our fully equipped studio.
You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.
$120 includes all materials
Arrive 15 minutes early to sign the safety waiver and get settled.
*Convenient parking is available just below the studio in either the Harrah’s Parking Garage or Rankin Parking Garage, 1st hour is free!
This event will happen every Saturday from Feb 7, 2026 to Mar 28, 2026.

Free Valentine's Market in the Greenhouses at Ross Farm
2026-02-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Ross Farm (Formally Jack Young Greenhouse), 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, 28715
LOVE IN BLOOM: Ross Farm is hosting Western North Carolina’s Most Unique Valentine’s Event—Featuring Highland Cow Kisses! This is the right place for all things love.
Mark your calendars for the region’s sweetest Valentine’s experience including fluffy cow smooches, local artisans, and greenhouses full of flirty fun just in time for V-Day!
CANDLER, NC – Ross Farm Asheville and Appalachian Standard invite the community to fall in love at the inaugural Valentine’s Market on Saturday, February 7th from 12-4 PM. This family-friendly event takes place in the enchanted magic of Ross Farm’s stunning greenhouses, that’s already generating buzz across Western North Carolina.
What Makes This Event Unique:
Ross Farm’s Greenhouse Plant Paradise – Hundreds of houseplants perfect for plant lovers (treating yourself IS a love language!)
Highland Cow Kissing Booth – Yes, you read that right. Get cozy with famously fluffy highland cows for smooches and photo ops
Intentionally Curated Vendors – Local artists and makers offering one-of-a-kind Valentine’s, Galentine’s, and Palentine’s gifts
Greenhouse Plant Paradise
Valentine’s BINGO – Win super fun Valentine’s prizes during a special edition of greenhouse BINGO
Gourmet Bites – Decadent sweet treats, gourmet hot dogs and more to satisfy every craving
Kids Activities – Cutesy Valentines crafts to keep little ones happy while you shop
Appalachian Standard CBD – Our very own quality wellness products to help uplift the heart
“From couples to kiddos, we want everyone to come experience the Valentine’s magic you won’t find anywhere else,” says Amy. “Where else can you bring your Valentine and family to be surrounded by lush greenhouses, kiss a highland cow, find the perfect handmade gift, and take home a beautiful plant—all in one magical afternoon?”
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Valentine’s Market at Ross Farm Asheville
When: Saturday, February 7, 2025 | 12-4 PM
Where: 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC 28715
Admission: FREE
Parking: Carpooling encouraged
Perfect for couples, friend groups, families, and anyone looking to celebrate love and show some love to our local artisans. Don’t miss Western North Carolina’s most talked-about Valentine’s event!

The Little Crafty at the NC Arboretum
2026-02-07 13:00 - 2026-02-08 18:00 | The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, 28806
The North Carolina Arboretum, The Big Crafty, and ArtsAVL are excited to announce The Little Crafty, a new, intimate craft market celebrating regional artists, nature-inspired making, and the creative spirit of Western North Carolina.
Taking place Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8, from 1–6 p.m. in the Arboretum’s Auditorium, The Little Crafty will feature a carefully curated group of artists whose work draws inspiration from the natural world — botanicals, landscapes, wildlife, and the handmade traditions of the Blue Ridge.
Framed by the Arboretum’s living collections and winter landscapes, The Little Crafty invites visitors to engage with art that grows from nature meeting craftsmanship, and the event is timely for warm Valentine’s Day gift-giving.
The weekend’s artists echo the imaginative, nature-forward ethos of the Arboretum’s current exhibition TROLLS: A Field Study by artist Thomas Dambo, creating a dialogue between art, environment, and community.
Admission: The Little Crafty is free to attend, but there is a parking fee for The NC Arboretum. As part of the celebration, Sunday, February 8 will be a free Community Day, with the Arboretum’s parking fee waived to encourage broad community participation.

Simply Charmed
2026-02-07 14:30 - 2026-03-28 15:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
This is the perfect way to spend a part of your day while visiting our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio and gallery. Come stamp and hammer a charm to your liking! Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. You will start with a rectangular brass base, (or upgrade to sterling silver in a variety of shapes and styles) then choose your silver accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can spend the next 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.
Our magnetic tumbler will polish your piece to perfection and you have an option of some finishing patinas as well. Upgrade to earrings, make additional pendants for friends etc.
$45 Base Price includes a brass charm, gemstone, and stretch cord.
*Additional chains/bracelets available for purchase at a discount
Some silver upgrades available for additional cost and additional pieces may be purchased to make gifts, extras, etc!)
This is family friendly, kid friendly ages 5 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!
This event will happen every Saturday from Feb 7, 2026 to Mar 28.

Art League of Henderson County - Exhibit Opening
2026-02-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Art Place Gallery, 730 Locust Street, Hendersonville, 28782
Art Place Gallery celebrates a new exhibit featuring fiber artworks from regional artists. The exhibit also showcases members’ 2D and 3D artwork including painting, drawing, jewelry, sculpture, and ceramic work created in the Stuart Glassman Ceramic Studio, a vibrant part of the Art League of Henderson County.
The Art Place Gallery is a dynamic visual art center managed by members of the Art League of Henderson County. It’s located in the vibrant historic 7th Avenue District in Hendersonville.

Eyes Up Here Comedy: Galentine's Day Edition
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Modelface Comedy presents Eyes Up Here Comedy at Ginger’s Revenge! The perfect show for everyone celebrating Galentine’s Day!
Eyes Up Here Comedy is a night featuring all femme comedians and this month we have a special show featuring comedians from Asheville and around the South East. Hosted by local favorite Erin Terry.
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Tickets $18 GA, $23 Premium Seating

David Childers & Dylan Walshe at The White Horse
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:30 | The White Horse Black Mountain, 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
North Carolina Hall Of Fame inductee, David Childers, with Irish singer songwriter, Dylan Walshe

Weekly Sunday Scrabble
2026-02-08 13:30 - 16:30 | Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Your favorite word game! Maybe you enjoy Wordle, or Boggle, or Words with Friends, or online Scrabble! Or maybe you just remember enjoying Scrabble in the past! We have all the equipment, so just stroll in and let’s play a few games every Sunday afternoon! It’s fine to drop by, be late, leave early, but soon you will want to spend the whole afternoon with us! No dues for the first three months. We have folks who drive in from TN, SC, and neighboring counties. All levels of play. Free challenges for those strange words, and we have a “cheat sheet” for new folks! See you Sunday!

Jazz Is for Everyone - Free to Be: The Rise of the Artist
2026-02-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 28801
A Lecture Demonstration Series for the Curious, the New, and the Devotee
Sun, Feb 8 • 3 pm | 60 Minutes
In the late 1950s and ’60s, musicians like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Wayne Shorter, Ornette Coleman, and others claimed their place as artists. There wasn’t any real doubt before, but jazz now sat at the heights of contemporary art, fully claiming the aesthetic and compositional achievements originally won by artists like Mary Lou Williams and Ellington. Still, it never stopped being a soulful expression of individuality, inspiration, and a challenge to embrace our highest intent.
Jazz Is for Everyone is a series of five one-hour sessions exploring jazz music. Come to one or join them all—each session stands on its own and welcomes listeners at any level.
What You’ll Experience:
Guided listening
Live music demonstrations
Stories that connect the music to people, places, and intent
A space for questions, curiosity, and shared discovery
Jeremy Walker launched Jazz Is for Everyone in 2004 at his Brilliant Corners Jazz Club, with Wynton Marsalis serving as Artistic Advisor. The program was developed as an Educational Affiliate with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since then, Walker’s been writing, composing, performing, producing, and speaking about why this music still matters.

The Misfit Improv Comedy Show
2026-02-08 18:00 - 19:30 | NC Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln, Asheville, 28801
Asheville’s best improvisers bring you a fast-paced, interactive comedy show full of scenes, songs, and games—all based on your suggestions. The second half features a fully improvised musical. Come laugh with us at a show made just for you.

Simply Charmed - Drop-In
2026-02-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
**Show up at Ignite Jewelry Studios anytime between 11pm and 3pm to make your charms!
This is the perfect way to spend a part of your day while visiting our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio and gallery. Come stamp and hammer a charm to your liking! Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. You will start with a rectangular brass base, (or upgrade to sterling silver in a variety of shapes and styles) then choose your silver accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can spend the next 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.
Our magnetic tumbler will polish your piece to perfection and you have an option of some finishing patinas as well. Upgrade to earrings, make additional pendants for friends etc.
$45 Base Price includes a brass charm, gemstone drop, jump ring, and stretch cord.
(Some silver upgrades available for additional cost and additional pieces may be purchased to make gifts, extras, etc!)
*Additional chains can be purchased at discounted rates
This is family friendly, kid friendly ages 5 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!

Stella Cole Sings the Great American Songbook
2026-02-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Parker Concert Hall, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard, 28712
With a velvet voice and old-soul charm, Stella Cole brings timeless jazz standards to life in an evening brimming with elegance and warmth. A rising star whose performances have captivated both social media audiences and live concertgoers, Cole offers fresh yet nostalgic interpretations of favorites by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. Experience the glamour of the golden era in Brevard Music Center’s Parker Concert Hall, a 400-seat lakeside venue in the Blue Ridge Mountains—an intimate setting for an unforgettable night of jazz.

Spirited Improv Group 6 Week Series
2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:30 | emberlight, 82 Sanctuary Rd., Swannanoa, NC, 28778, United States
Spirited Improv is a conscious, community-centered experience where we come together to grow through improvisation.
Using improv as a living practice, we explore presence, creative expression, and authentic connection in a space rooted in love and radical acceptance. This is not about performance or comedy. It’s about trusting the unknown and responding from the heart.
Over 6-weeks, we move, play, express, and create together, allowing improv to become the process through which community forms and transformation unfolds. As we practice showing up authentically with one another, fear softens, confidence grows, and a deeper sense of belonging emerges.
Spirited Improv is for spiritually aligned humans seeking personal growth, meaningful connection, and a more loving way of being in the world.
Facilitated by Jessica Chilton, whose background in improvisation and expressive arts therapy creates a sacred, supportive container for soulful play and community growth.

Standup Comedy Picture Show: Valentine's Edition
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:00 | PULP Under The Orange Peel, 103 Hilliard Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Standup Comedy Picture Show: Valentine’s edition with all headlining comics
Comics on the show do stand up with slideshow pictures to illustrate their sets. This is sure to keep you in your seats figuring out what you just looked at! We have all headlining Comics on the show, sharing their interpretations of Valentine’s Day! Love is hard and funny, whether you’re on a date night or on your own you will LOVE the comics and comedy on this picture show!
Wednesday February 11, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$18 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Comics on the show are the best from the Southeast! Some are happily in a relationship and some we will just have to see what the hell they’re doing with their love life on Feb 11 at Pulp!
❤️ Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, creator, and producer, exploring various other forms of comedy over the years, including sketch comedy, improv, and more. Since moving to Asheville, Cayla has had the opportunity to produce and host local comedic dating shows like Blind Date Live and Bad Date Mic. You can check out Cayla’s hilarious Asheville centric comedy videos on instagram at @blinddateliveavl (with an international following of 200k+) Voted best comic by The Mountain Xpress 2025.
❤️ Ryan Cox is a touring stand-up comedian based in Asheville, NC. Ryan’s relaxed delivery weaves twisted storytelling with crafted one-liners and unique observations on our ever-changing world. Ryan has performed up and down the East Coast, from Comedy Key West to Bomb Shelter Comedy in NYC. He’s opened for Reggie Watts, Sean Patton and Jessimae Peluso. Ryan hosts Home Planet with Ryan Cox, a weekly podcast that explores the creative process through conversations with comedians, musicians and artists from all walks of life.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJug66R7_G0&t=41
❤️ Roman Fraden’s comedy is laid back and conversational as he moves seamlessly between absurdist humor about life, sexuality and other things, observational stories and engaging crowd work. He peddles his brand of comedy out of Asheville these days, but he’s performed in Los Angeles-based Hollywood venues like The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Hollywood Improv and has trained with the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) theater. He’s opened for Mark Normand, Margaret Cho and Patton Oswalt and has also worked with various projects on film and stage – including the one man show ‘Back in the Closet’ that he did at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018. Pulp and other Slice of Life shows are always glad to have Fraden’s playful, sharp sense of humor on stage. https://youtu.be/iMyKVC0z1po?si=3jsiNIYeD_rNYkfk
❤️Makenzie Manent is a Greenville native who’s been making her way up and down the East Coast, telling jokes and entering arm wrestling matches she has absolutely no chance of winning. In 2024, she was crowned “Greenville’s Most Hilarious,” and since then, she’s opened for a slew of hilarious comics like Geoffrey Asmus, April Macie, Therapy Gecko, Rocky Dale Davis, and more! Her bangs are definitely hiding a massive forehead—but she won’t mention it if you don’t. Makenzie’s comedy finds humor in the everyday situations and flips it on its head, leaving you with a fresh, funny perspective. Winner of the Spring 2025 Slice of Life Comedy Standup Comedy Pageant. https://youtube.com/shorts/4Pq9jjzOMnk?si=OTmmU9oSNuXGmDGj
❤️ Hosted by cherub Alex Parsons, a Boston transplant. Alex brings New England sass to the southern arena with his onstage antics. This comedian, actor, and singer, is ready to make your sides split with stories from his sordid past by making fun of some of the harder parts of life and love.
For more info contact Michele at SliceofLifeComedy@gmail.com or go to SliceofLifeComedy.com

Open Auditions for Blithe Spirit | Encore Players, Senior Readers Theatre at Black Mountain Center for the Arts
2026-02-12 11:00 - 2026-02-13 13:00 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC, 28711, United States
A New Readers Theatre Program Launches in the Swannanoa Valley—Join the Encore Players Onstage!
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is excited to launch the Encore Players, a brand-new senior readers theatre program, and we’re looking for performers for our first production: Noël Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit.
Readers theatre brings stories to life through voice and performance—no memorization required. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or brand new to the stage, this low-pressure, welcoming program is a great way to explore character, connect with others, and share the joy of storytelling.
About the Play
When novelist Charles Condomine hosts a séance for research, he accidentally summons the ghost of his first wife—causing hilarious chaos with his very alive second wife. Witty, supernatural, and full of fun, Blithe Spirit is a crowd favorite.
Auditions
Format: Relaxed cold readings from the script
Who: All experience levels welcome; ages and genders flexible
When: Thursday, February 12 & Friday, February 13 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Where: Gale Jackson Theatre, Black Mountain Center for the Arts
Come be part of this exciting new chapter in Swannanoa Valley theatre and help launch the Encore Players!
