Happening this Weekend: Jan 8th-11th

Thursday, January 8

Asheville, Downtown: It’s First-Timers Night at this open-mic storytelling competition. Anyone can share a true, personal 5-minute story. This night’s theme is new chapters, bold beginnings, fresh starts. First-timers who've never told a story at a Moth event are prioritized. Sign up for a chance to tell or just enjoy the show. Seating first-come, first-served. 

• $20.91
• Thursday, January 8 (doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm)
• Grey Eagle Music Hall

Asheville, Downtown: Watch Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone on the big screen at Holiday Movie Night at The Yards Ice Rink. Watch from skate-side chairs or while skating. 

• Free non-skaters; skaters pay regular admission
• Thursday, January 8, 6 pm and 8 pm showings
• Asheville Yards Holiday Ice Rink, 75 Coxe Avenue

Friday, January 9

Bryson City, Swain County: The soulful singer-songwriter and Shane Meade & the Sound frontman takes the Mountain Layers Brewing Company Rooftop Stage for soul-infused folk rock with splashes of jazz and mountain funk. An intimate acoustic performance, with brews and bites available. 64 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• Free
• January 9, 6-9 pm
• Mountain Layers Brewing Company, 90 Everett Street, Bryson City

Asheville, South Slope: Highland storyteller Angus Brewbeard guides you through four South Slope pubs, pairing standout local ales with strange, eerie Appalachian legends on the Highland Ales & Appalachian Tales Pub Crawl. An immersive journey blending history, lore, and lively shenanigans—part storytelling, part theatre.  

• Starts at $35 per person (does not include drinks)
• 6 pm (also offered Saturday at 3 and 6 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm)
• South Slope, Asheville (multiple pub locations)

Saturday, January 10

Bryson City, Swain County: Relax on a four-hour round-trip journey through quiet countryside to Dillsboro, including 80-minute layover. The Tuckasegee River Train Excursion passes through the legendary 836-foot Cowee Tunnel and the famous Fugitive movie set. Explore over fifty shops, restaurants, and breweries in historic Dillsboro. Onboard dining available, 60 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $47.52-$123.12 (varies by class and age)
• January 10 (boarding 11:30 am, departs noon)
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City

Asheville, Downtown: Follow Simba's epic adventure in The Lion King Jr. See jaw-dropping costumes and hear timeless songs, including "Hakuna Matata" and "Circle of Life." This professional-caliber production from Asheville Junior Theater is an all-ages show about courage, friendship, and destiny.  

• $25-$30
• Saturday, January 10, 2 pm and 6 pm (also Sunday at 2 pm and 6 pm)
• Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Avenue

Weaverville, Buncombe County: The Compass Within is a theatrical circus show celebrating community, creativity, and the human spirit. Local artists, movers, and creators share fire, aerial, acrobatics, and movement through the Seven Directions. Powerful, heartfelt performances for all ages. 9 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $17 kids, $22 adults, $33 premier seating
• Saturday, January 10
• 2 pm 21 Young Road, Weaverville

Mars Hill, Madison County: This Asheville-based ensemble Chikomo Marimba blends traditional Shona melodies with modern African-inspired rhythms in a high-energy performance titled An Evening of Global Zimbabwean Rhythm. Infectious beats and grooves create a vibrant, immersive experience. Food truck on-site. Come ready to listen, move, and celebrate, 19 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $25 / Pay What You Can
• Saturday, January 10, 7 pm
• Mars Landing, 37 Library Street, Mars Hill

Sunday, January 11

Asheville: Locals are invited to rejuvenate with a full hour in a private steaming outdoor hot tub, 180° cedar sauna, and refreshing cold shower for a discounted rate. Treat yourself to this mountain escape. 8 minutes from downtown Asheville. 

• $72 (North Carolina ID required for this price)
• Daily, based on availability, during January
• Shoji Spa and Retreat, Asheville

Black Mountain, Buncombe County: The Asheville Jazz Orchestra brings big band swing classics and original charts for an afternoon of dancing. Founded in 2006 to preserve and advance the big band jazz tradition, the AJO performs Swing Era dance classics and contemporary compositions. 16 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• Free
• Sunday, January 11, 2-4 pm
• White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Road

Leicester, Buncombe County: Tasting Appointments at Addison Farms Vineyard Reserve your wine tasting appointment on the hour from noon to 5 pm. Maximum 8 participants per reservation—email for larger groups. No pets. Reservations required, 17 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• $17 + tax per person
• Sunday, January 11, noon-5 pm (on the hour) (also available Thursdays through Saturdays)
• Addison Farms Vineyard, Leicester