Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.

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Saturday, November 22, 2025
Fireside Collective
Nov 22 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Chapman Cultural Center

Fireside Collective

Nov 22, 2025 / 5:30pm – 7:30 pm

Formed in Asheville, NC in 2014, Fireside Collective draws on blues, country, and folk traditions while being interpreted through the exciting instrumental interplay of an American jamband.

Sunday, November 23, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 23 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Avengers: Endgame
Nov 23 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Avengers: Endgame — The Exhibition
June 7, 2025 – January 18, 2026

“In the comic books and the movies, the story is always the most important element.”
– Stan Lee, Writer, Editor, Comic Book Creator

For over 85 years, creating independent yet deeply connected stories has been the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Conceived from a simple idea of strange tales and journeys in 1939 with the publication of Marvel Comics #1, Marvel began to create a world with visual and cultural impact that has continued to influence readers and viewers today.

As the comic book industry gained momentum in the 1930s, Stan Lee, an aspiring writer, joined Timely Comics, the forerunner to Marvel Comics. In 1940, Timely introduced characters such as Captain America, Toro, the Whizzer, and even Miss America, who with the Human Torch, founded the Invaders, dedicated to combating Nazi forces in Europe. Following the war, the group was renamed the All-Winners Squad with the mission to fight crime in the U.S.

Over the next two decades, new characters in different genres expanded the growing repertoire of stories which furthered the narratives of heroes and villains. By the 1960s, Marvel had risen in popularity. Lee and artist Jack Kirby created the company’s first family with The Fantastic Four in 1961, followed in 1962 with Spider-Man, well Daredevil, Nick Fury, Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men.

In 1963 Marvel created a team of superheroes including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Panther. Named The Avengers, their mission was to stand as Earth’s first line of defense against the most powerful threats in the universe.

By 2012, movies and television shows were the outlets for Marvel Universe characters, the parent company became Marvel Cinematic UniverseThe Avengers continued to provide audiences with thrilling storylines based on their mission as seen in 2012, 2015, and 2018 films.

Avengers: Endgame debuted in theaters in 2019 and became the highest-grossing film of all time that year. In partnership with The Walt Disney Company’s Marvel Studios and private collectors, the Upcountry History Museum will present an exclusive 2000 square foot exhibition featuring an extraordinary display of original costumes, props, and memorabilia showcasing the film’s messages of teamwork, courage, and perseverance.

The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, the project invites visitors of all ages to traverse the Marvel Universe. This once-in-a lifetime experience will explore the fourth installment in the Avengers saga and is the culmination of 22 interconnected Marvel films and the climax of a journey. The exhibit’s design and messaging will emulate Avengers: Endgame’s principles of friendship, teamwork, and setting aside differences to overcome impossible obstacles.

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wild Lights
Nov 23 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

Select Nights Starting November 21  5:00 – 9:00PM

Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Say What?! Poetry Slam and Open Mic
Nov 23 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Coffee Underground

Read or perform your own original poems, plus hear great local and touring poets. Sundays 7:30pm-9:45pm. Open Mic–$5. Feature & Slams –$10.

Monday, November 24, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 24 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Wild Lights
Nov 24 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

Select Nights Starting November 21  5:00 – 9:00PM

Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Tuesday, November 25, 2025
James Henkel, Cynosure
Nov 25 all-day
Milliken Art Gallery

Enter a space where traditional beauty is both honored and undone in Cynosure, a striking exhibition of still life photography by James Henkel. Blending classical floral traditions from East and West with a contemporary twist, Henkel’s images challenge our assumptions about elegance, decay, and perfection. Fresh blooms tangle with withering petals, weeds rise among prized flowers—each composition a deliberate imbalance that invites viewers to reconsider the aesthetic ideals we’ve inherited. With a crisp, commercial-style clarity and an eye for the quietly absurd, Henkel turns the traditionally serene still life into something more nuanced: at once beautiful and unsettling, orderly yet off-kilter. This is not just a gallery of flowers—it’s a meditation on time, impermanence, and the strange, shifting standards of what we choose to admire.

James Henkel is Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota. He has exhibited in over one hundred national and international venues, including shows at the Teheran Museum of Contemporary Art, Iran; SFMOMA; and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, among others. His work is in the collections of The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Walker Art Center, SFMOMA, and many others. He has been the recipient of grants and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Art, the Bush Foundations, the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Henkel lives and works in Asheville and Penland, North Carolina.

Cynosure will run from November 6-25, 2025. Henkel will present a Gallery Talk on November 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the gallery followed by a reception from 6:30-8:00 PM.

The exhibition is located in the Milliken Art Gallery and is free of charge. Gallery hours are Sunday 2:00-5:00 PM, Monday – Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. The Gallery is closed during school holidays

Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 25 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Avengers: Endgame
Nov 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Avengers: Endgame — The Exhibition
June 7, 2025 – January 18, 2026

“In the comic books and the movies, the story is always the most important element.”
– Stan Lee, Writer, Editor, Comic Book Creator

For over 85 years, creating independent yet deeply connected stories has been the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Conceived from a simple idea of strange tales and journeys in 1939 with the publication of Marvel Comics #1, Marvel began to create a world with visual and cultural impact that has continued to influence readers and viewers today.

As the comic book industry gained momentum in the 1930s, Stan Lee, an aspiring writer, joined Timely Comics, the forerunner to Marvel Comics. In 1940, Timely introduced characters such as Captain America, Toro, the Whizzer, and even Miss America, who with the Human Torch, founded the Invaders, dedicated to combating Nazi forces in Europe. Following the war, the group was renamed the All-Winners Squad with the mission to fight crime in the U.S.

Over the next two decades, new characters in different genres expanded the growing repertoire of stories which furthered the narratives of heroes and villains. By the 1960s, Marvel had risen in popularity. Lee and artist Jack Kirby created the company’s first family with The Fantastic Four in 1961, followed in 1962 with Spider-Man, well Daredevil, Nick Fury, Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men.

In 1963 Marvel created a team of superheroes including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Panther. Named The Avengers, their mission was to stand as Earth’s first line of defense against the most powerful threats in the universe.

By 2012, movies and television shows were the outlets for Marvel Universe characters, the parent company became Marvel Cinematic UniverseThe Avengers continued to provide audiences with thrilling storylines based on their mission as seen in 2012, 2015, and 2018 films.

Avengers: Endgame debuted in theaters in 2019 and became the highest-grossing film of all time that year. In partnership with The Walt Disney Company’s Marvel Studios and private collectors, the Upcountry History Museum will present an exclusive 2000 square foot exhibition featuring an extraordinary display of original costumes, props, and memorabilia showcasing the film’s messages of teamwork, courage, and perseverance.

The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, the project invites visitors of all ages to traverse the Marvel Universe. This once-in-a lifetime experience will explore the fourth installment in the Avengers saga and is the culmination of 22 interconnected Marvel films and the climax of a journey. The exhibit’s design and messaging will emulate Avengers: Endgame’s principles of friendship, teamwork, and setting aside differences to overcome impossible obstacles.

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wild Lights
Nov 25 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

Select Nights Starting November 21  5:00 – 9:00PM

Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 26 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Avengers: Endgame
Nov 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Avengers: Endgame — The Exhibition
June 7, 2025 – January 18, 2026

“In the comic books and the movies, the story is always the most important element.”
– Stan Lee, Writer, Editor, Comic Book Creator

For over 85 years, creating independent yet deeply connected stories has been the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Conceived from a simple idea of strange tales and journeys in 1939 with the publication of Marvel Comics #1, Marvel began to create a world with visual and cultural impact that has continued to influence readers and viewers today.

As the comic book industry gained momentum in the 1930s, Stan Lee, an aspiring writer, joined Timely Comics, the forerunner to Marvel Comics. In 1940, Timely introduced characters such as Captain America, Toro, the Whizzer, and even Miss America, who with the Human Torch, founded the Invaders, dedicated to combating Nazi forces in Europe. Following the war, the group was renamed the All-Winners Squad with the mission to fight crime in the U.S.

Over the next two decades, new characters in different genres expanded the growing repertoire of stories which furthered the narratives of heroes and villains. By the 1960s, Marvel had risen in popularity. Lee and artist Jack Kirby created the company’s first family with The Fantastic Four in 1961, followed in 1962 with Spider-Man, well Daredevil, Nick Fury, Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men.

In 1963 Marvel created a team of superheroes including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Panther. Named The Avengers, their mission was to stand as Earth’s first line of defense against the most powerful threats in the universe.

By 2012, movies and television shows were the outlets for Marvel Universe characters, the parent company became Marvel Cinematic UniverseThe Avengers continued to provide audiences with thrilling storylines based on their mission as seen in 2012, 2015, and 2018 films.

Avengers: Endgame debuted in theaters in 2019 and became the highest-grossing film of all time that year. In partnership with The Walt Disney Company’s Marvel Studios and private collectors, the Upcountry History Museum will present an exclusive 2000 square foot exhibition featuring an extraordinary display of original costumes, props, and memorabilia showcasing the film’s messages of teamwork, courage, and perseverance.

The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, the project invites visitors of all ages to traverse the Marvel Universe. This once-in-a lifetime experience will explore the fourth installment in the Avengers saga and is the culmination of 22 interconnected Marvel films and the climax of a journey. The exhibit’s design and messaging will emulate Avengers: Endgame’s principles of friendship, teamwork, and setting aside differences to overcome impossible obstacles.

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wild Lights
Nov 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

Select Nights Starting November 21  5:00 – 9:00PM

Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Thursday, November 27, 2025
South Asheville Turkey Trot
Nov 27 @ 9:00 am
Biltmore Park Town Square

This is how South Asheville does Turkey Day! Kick off Thanksgiving morning with a relaxed 5K through the beautiful Biltmore Park neighborhood – where the vibes are festive, the shirts are vintage-cool, and the finisher medals are worth the effort! Whether you’re running, walking, or just trotting it out for the pie, this event is for everyone. Awards for festive costumes and top finishers in each age group!

True Home Open Mic at Flood Gallery
Nov 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Flood Gallery

Uncensored expression: anyone is invited to step up to share song, music, poetry, comedy, rants & raves!

The most eclectic open mic around, in a welcoming gallery setting! 6 pm signup, perform 6:30-8:30 pm.

Friday, November 28, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 28 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

 

Avengers: Endgame
Nov 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Upcountry History Museum

Avengers: Endgame — The Exhibition
June 7, 2025 – January 18, 2026

“In the comic books and the movies, the story is always the most important element.”
– Stan Lee, Writer, Editor, Comic Book Creator

For over 85 years, creating independent yet deeply connected stories has been the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Conceived from a simple idea of strange tales and journeys in 1939 with the publication of Marvel Comics #1, Marvel began to create a world with visual and cultural impact that has continued to influence readers and viewers today.

As the comic book industry gained momentum in the 1930s, Stan Lee, an aspiring writer, joined Timely Comics, the forerunner to Marvel Comics. In 1940, Timely introduced characters such as Captain America, Toro, the Whizzer, and even Miss America, who with the Human Torch, founded the Invaders, dedicated to combating Nazi forces in Europe. Following the war, the group was renamed the All-Winners Squad with the mission to fight crime in the U.S.

Over the next two decades, new characters in different genres expanded the growing repertoire of stories which furthered the narratives of heroes and villains. By the 1960s, Marvel had risen in popularity. Lee and artist Jack Kirby created the company’s first family with The Fantastic Four in 1961, followed in 1962 with Spider-Man, well Daredevil, Nick Fury, Incredible Hulk, and the X-Men.

In 1963 Marvel created a team of superheroes including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Panther. Named The Avengers, their mission was to stand as Earth’s first line of defense against the most powerful threats in the universe.

By 2012, movies and television shows were the outlets for Marvel Universe characters, the parent company became Marvel Cinematic UniverseThe Avengers continued to provide audiences with thrilling storylines based on their mission as seen in 2012, 2015, and 2018 films.

Avengers: Endgame debuted in theaters in 2019 and became the highest-grossing film of all time that year. In partnership with The Walt Disney Company’s Marvel Studios and private collectors, the Upcountry History Museum will present an exclusive 2000 square foot exhibition featuring an extraordinary display of original costumes, props, and memorabilia showcasing the film’s messages of teamwork, courage, and perseverance.

The first exhibition of its kind in the United States, the project invites visitors of all ages to traverse the Marvel Universe. This once-in-a lifetime experience will explore the fourth installment in the Avengers saga and is the culmination of 22 interconnected Marvel films and the climax of a journey. The exhibit’s design and messaging will emulate Avengers: Endgame’s principles of friendship, teamwork, and setting aside differences to overcome impossible obstacles.

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wild Lights
Nov 28 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

Select Nights Starting November 21  5:00 – 9:00PM

Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Saturday, November 29, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Nov 29 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.