It feels like this season is getting busier by the second. So the holidays might just have to take a back seat to performances and parties, turkey trots and festival fun — because there's no shortage of November events to fill your busy schedule. Here are just a few that you won't want to miss.

Wednesday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 5

An Evening of Excellence: Céline Cousteau | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Odyssey School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville | $15-$40 | The environmentalist, humanitarian, and filmmaker will share her insights on conservation.
Startup Creation and Launch | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Hatch Innovation Hub, 45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville | Free | Learn from Asheville Venture Studio about the updates and processes surrounding startups, and hear more on the city's most recent startup, Goldie.
A Celebration and Silent Auction with Mosaic and Bountiful Cities | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 5-8 p.m. | Haiku, 26 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Enjoy local food and beverages and bid on auction items to support Bountiful Cities — bring an item from the nonprofit's wishlist as a contribution.
Pathways to Parks | Friday, Nov. 3 | 4-5 p.m. | Deaverview Mountain, Mariposa Way, Asheville | Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on this hike to experience Deaverview Mountain and its stunning views of Asheville — the 2-mile trek is easy, and the summit is accessible by vehicle.
4th Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival | Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 5 | Times vary | Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $3-$45 | See talented tattoo artists + wild performers (like Alakazam the Human Knot or a heavy metal magician), and explore an array of vendors.
Xiu Xiu | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 7 p.m. | Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave., Asheville | $26.45 | Catch the first show at Burial Beer Co.'s new music venue, Eulogy — it'll be a blend of post-punk, synthpop, and alt-folk.
75th Anniversary Dance Party | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 7-11 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq., Asheville | $50-$65 | Don your best 70s attire and get your dancing shoes on as the Asheville Art Museum celebrates its anniversary with food, drinks, music, a silent auction, and nostalgia.

The views from Deaverview Mountain are breathtaking. | Photo by Carolinas Nature Photographers Association: Francis Nullet, Courtland White, and Michael Fredericks

Monday, Nov. 6-Sunday, Nov. 12

Book Tok | Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr., Asheville | Free | Discuss Tik Tok's favorite books then play some trivia and get more reading recommendations — November's book is "The Deal" by Elle Kennedy.
The Campfireball | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $10-$15 | No two shows are alike during this immersive storytelling show created live and in the moment from the audience stories.
WNC Food Waste Solutions Summit | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Mission Health AB-Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville | $0-$35 | Learn what you need to know about food waste — climate change, business opportunities, compost solutions, and more — during this regional gathering.
Cold Mountain Release Weekend | Thursday, Nov. 9-Monday, Nov. 13 | Times vary | Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | $10-$20 | Get first access to this year's brew during the Cold Mountain Beer Dinner + Celebration Sessions — complete with live music, entertainment, and small-batch releases.
ZeroProof Fest | Friday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 11 | Times vary | The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | $50-$100 | The inaugural two-day event invites everyone to a specially curated nonalcoholic social experience — sample NA brands while you enjoy food, music, and community.
Emerging Black Playwright Staged Reading Series | Friday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Tina McGuire Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $10 | Be a part of the play development process during these staged readings hosted by Different Strokes! and the American Myth Center.
Holiday Market at Enka-Candler Tailgate Market | Saturday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 12 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | A-B Tech Enka, 1459 Sand Hill Rd., Candler | Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this annual market — local art, food, clothing, gifts, and lots more.

Monday, Nov. 13-Sunday, Nov. 19

No-Cry Pumpkin Pie: Non-Traditional Pumpkin Pies | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 6-7:30 p.m. | WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Asheville | $30 | Love the taste but can't stand the process? Ashley English will guide you through two easy, dough-free pumpkin pies.
MakerSpace: Explore Monoprinting | Thursday, Nov. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq., Asheville | Free with admission | Experiment with printmaking through stamps, gelli plates, and foam to create unique monoprints.
Murder Mystery Night: Murder at the Masquerade | Friday, Nov. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Ginger's Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $30 | If you're dying to get away with murder, sign up to get your role and become a part of the action.
History Comes Alive: Music of the Valley Downtown Black Mountain Tour | Friday, Nov. 17 | 6 p.m. | Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W. State St., Black Mountain | $20-$25 | Listen to tall tales and songs as you set out on a musical journey through the history of the Swannanoa Valley.
Winter Lights | Friday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville | $35-$750 | Experience the illumination of more than one million lights, and see the enchanting details designed to delight and surprise.
Masterworks 3: American Portraits | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 2-4 p.m., 8-10 p.m. | First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St., Asheville | $12-$72 | The all-American production expresses the spirit of our country, with narration and vocals from Bryan Terrell Clark, best known for starring as George Washington in Broadway’s Hamilton.
NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O'Henry Ave., Asheville | $30-$100 | Originally held in NYC's Lincoln Center, the prestigious competition now welcomes its eight finalists to Asheville for an evening of song and connection.
Enter the Garden | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 7 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $50-$75 | The sensory movement experience features an array of dance performances for a 21+ crowd.
Repticon Asheville Reptiles & Exotic Animals Expo | Saturday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 19 | Times vary | Western North Carolina Agricultural Center – Expo Building, 775 New Airport Rd., Fletcher | $5-$15 | Vendors, educators, and animal lovers come together at this reptile & exotic animal show — the perfect place for supplies, expert advice, or a new friend.

See the NC Arboretum all aglow. | Photo by David Lewis, via the NC Arboretum

Monday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Nov. 26

The Moth's Asheville GrandSLAM | Monday, Nov. 20 | 8 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $34 | Sit back as 10 StorySLAM winners battle for the coveted title of Asheville storytelling champion.
South Asheville Turkey Trot | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Biltmore Park Town Square, 1 Town Square Blvd., Asheville | $25-$45 | Bring your family and friends for an early-morning trot — before you get stuffed with good Thanksgiving food.
Asheville Turkey Trot 5k and Gobble Wobble | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 9:15 a.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Pl., Asheville | $15-$45 | Make your way downtown to fulfill this Thanksgiving tradition — a portion of the proceeds will be donated to MANNA Food Bank.
Thanksgiving Twilight in the Treetops Night Climb | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 5-7 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr., Asheville | $64 | Celebrate the holiday weekend with a glimmering, glowing climb through the trees and a zip along this aerial trail.

Monday, Nov. 27-Thursday, Nov. 30

Ticket To Ride: Europe - November Board Game Tournament | Monday, Nov. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave. #101, Asheville | $12 | Pack your bags because it's time for competitive exploration and a chance to claim the title of Rail Baron.
Homemade Holiday Gifts From the Kitchen | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 6-7:30 p.m. | WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Asheville | $30 | Give your loved one something sweet (or savory) this holiday season — the class teaches you to how to make and present some edible gifts.
Film Screening: Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 120 College St., Asheville | Free | Join the epic musical journey of bebop pioneer, virtuoso percussionist and bandleader Max Roach.

Still looking for something to do? Visit our events calendar for event more local happenings.