ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The new year has arrived, and with it, another list of things to do in the Asheville area this weekend. Read our guide and discover ways to spend the first weekend of 2026.

Friday, Jan. 2

Montford Kids’ New Years Eve Party – 6-7:30 p.m., Tempie Avery Montford Center, 34 Pearson Dr.

Asheville kids ages 5-10 are invited to a NYE party of their own this weekend. The Tempie Avery Montford Center will host a party packed with activities and fun. Tickets are $5. For more information, email shassan@ashevillenc.gov or call (828) 253-3714.

Jazz Night at Trailside Brewing Co. – 6-9 p.m., Trailside Brewing Company, 873 Lennox Park Dr., Hendersonville

Local Hendersonville brewery Trailside Brewing Co. will be kicking off the new year with a night of live jazz music, featuring music from guitarist Preston Cate, drummer Brian Widlowski and bassist Harry Jacobson.

Watch “Marty Supreme” – Now playing in theaters

Timothée Chalamet gives a a larger-than-life performance as a professional ping pong player – and New York hustler – in Josh Safdie’s rollicking new dramedy, “Marty Supreme.”

Saturday, Jan. 3

Dry January Kick-off Party – 2 p.m., The Whale West Asheville, 507 Haywood Road

For those who observe Dry January, local brew bar The Whale has a celebratory event for you. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for 10% off at the party, which will also feature a bonfire with s’more supplies with the purchase of a drink.

Volunteer Work Day – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 400 Beverly Hanks Ctr., Hendersonville

Grounded Boots Relief will lead their first community work day of 2026 as the nonprofit continues to aid Western North Carolina in recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. Work is to be determined, but may include debris removal, hauling or other hands-on support. Volunteers of any experience level are welcome. RSVP on Facebook in advance.

Surreal Sirkus Salon – 7-10 p.m., The Well, 3 Louisiana Ave.

The Surreal Sirkus, a local group of surrealist performers and artists, will host a “salon” for the new year, inviting all to bring a song, story, poem or performance to share. The event is a potluck, with beverages and snacks encouraged, and will feature several collaborative games. Donations are welcome, though not required.

Asheville Community Square Dance – 7-9:30 p.m., Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Road

If your new year’s resolution was to learn to square dance, you are in luck. The Asheville Community Square Dance, always hosted on the first Saturday of the month, will commence this weekend. Beginners are welcome and no partners are required. A dance lesson will begin the evening at 7 p.m. Entry is $10 per adult and $5 per kid ages 12 and under. Cash, Venmo and Zelle are accepted.

Sunday, Jan. 4

New Years Bingo Bash – 3 p.m., White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Road, Black Mountain

White Horse Black Mountain will ring in the new year with an afternoon of lively bingo. Entry is $15, but all are welcome for some community bingo fun. Find tickets here.

Go hiking

Why not start 2026 off with a hike around the Blue Ridge Mountains? For a few ideas, check out our Hikes of WNC column.