ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for things to do this weekend? Look no further. 828newsNOW has you covered with a weekend guide to Asheville and WNC. From a volleyball championship to visits from Santa Claus, there are all sorts of activities happening all over town.
Friday, Nov. 21
2025 SoCon Volleyball Championship – Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville
Just days after the Southern Conference announced the extension of its Asheville residency through 2035, the SoCon Volleyball Championship will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville. The quarterfinals are Friday, the semifinals are Saturday and the championship match will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Find tickets here.
Attic Salt Theatre Company presents “The Thanksgiving Play” – 7:30 p.m., Attic Salt Theatre Arts Space, 2002 Riverside Dr.
Attic Salt Theatre Company will conclude their run of the satirical comedy “The Thanksgiving Play” this weekend. Written by Lakota playwright Larissa FastHorse, the show follows a group of white teachers who attempt to craft a politically-correct Thanksgiving play for their students with miserable – and funny – results. Read our review of the show here.
Watch “Wicked: For Good” – Now playing in theaters
The sequel to last year’s witchy hit soars into theaters this weekend. “Wicked: For Good” covers the second act of the hit musical and intersects with the story of “The Wizard of Oz” along the way. Read our review of “Wicked” here.
Town Square Tree Lighting & Holiday Market – 6:30 p.m., Biltmore Park Town Square
Biltmore Park will officially light up for the holidays during its Holiday Market, which features over 35 local vendors offering seasonal food, gifts and other festive treats. Locally-farmed Christmas trees and wreaths will be for sale as well. At 6:30 p.m., join in on the Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the large Biltmore Park tree will officially come to life with the holiday spirit.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Asheville Holiday Parade – 11 a.m., downtown Asheville
The Asheville Downtown Association will hold the Asheville Holiday Parade at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 across downtown Asheville. The parade lineup will begin at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Hilliard Avenue. All public parking garages will remain accessible throughout the event. Before the parade begins, attendees can participate in the Onesie One Miler, a one-mile downtown dash designed for runners in pajama accoutrement. Find more information here.
Free Thanksgiving meal – 10 a.m., White Rock Baptist Church
Frozen turkey and fixings will be available this Saturday at White Rock Baptist Church for free pick-up, no registration required. First-come, first-served.
Santa’s Arrival + Tree Lighting Ceremony – 4-8 p.m., Tanger Outlets
Santa Claus is coming to town at the Tanger Outlets. This Saturday, guests at the outlet mall can enjoy festive booths and displays, as well as live music from the Enka High School Marching Band, stilt walkers, treats from The Hominy and appearances from the Grinch, Ted E. Tourist and Bluey. Santa himself will arrive at 5:45 p.m. in the Santa Parade, after which he will be in the food court for photos until the end of the night.
Sunday, Nov. 23
The 15th Annual Marshall Handmade Market – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Odonata Farm
Although no one will be turned away for lack of funds, a suggested entrance fee of $5 per adult is recommended at the Marshall Handmade Market, an annual showcase of local WNC artisans. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the rebuild and recovery of Marshall High Studios.