If you love art festivals, this is your mega calendar of events for the year! The Asheville-area art scene is booming, and we are consistently voted one of the biggest art destinations in the country. Each year, more artist studio tours, events and shows appear. Most are free to attend! Here are our favorite annual artsy events in Asheville and the surrounding towns in western North Carolina. Plan your next trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains around one of these.
For the best places to find art any day of the year, see our Asheville Gallery Guide or visit the Folk Art Center with rotating exhibitions. Even more fun is taking an art class or workshop in Asheville.
Asheville Art & Crafts Events & Festivals Calendar 2018
February 16-18, 2018: Arts & Crafts Antique Show and Conference
For the past nineteen years Arts and Crafts enthusiasts - including new collectors, curators, authors, builders, designers, and bungalow owners - have traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains and The Grove Park Inn for this show. Read more about the Arts and Crafts Conference.
April 14, 2018: Potters Market of Madison County
20+ ceramic artists from the Southeast showcase diverse contemporary selection at the Marshall High Studios in downtown Marshall, 9 AM-5 PM.
April 28, 2018: Greening Up the Mountains
Annual street festival in Sylva that features music, art and craft. Read more about Greening Up the Mountain.
April 28, 2018: Fire on the Mountain
Held in Downtown Spruce Pine from 10 AM-4 PM featuring vendors, live demonstrations, hands-on tent with rotating teachers and visiting blacksmiths from around the region and country.
First Fridays: Downtown Asheville Art Walk
(First Friday of Every Month, April-December) Visit 25 galleries, museums and jewelry studios within a walkable half-mile radius of downtown, 5-8 PM. See our Asheville Gallery Guide.
April 28-29, 2018: Weaverville Art Safari
Weaverville, 10 miles north of Asheville, is the home and workplace of many of the area artists. Take a self-guided driving tour of the various artists' studios, tucked away in the countryside communities of Weaverville, Barnardsville and surrounding countryside. Read more about the Weaverville Art Safari. To download a map and see a full list of artists, go to their website.
May 10-13, 2018: LEAF Festival
Celebrate Music, Discover Community, and Experience Culture at LEAF in a beautiful lakefront setting near Black Mountain (about 12 miles from downtown Asheville). Five Stages of Folk & World, Bluegrass, Blues, African, Celtic and jams with headline performers. Handcrafts, folk art, dancing, Poetry SLAM, healing arts workshops, water recreation and camping. Admission. See our LEAF Guide.
May 12-13, 2018: Fiber Weekend
Fiber Weekend features craftspeople at the Folk Art Center sharing their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Demonstrations on Saturday include quilting and appliqué, doll making, weaving, mixed media fiber arts, clothing design, printing and surface design, tapestry weaving and natural dyeing. On Sunday, see the Handmade Wearables Fashion Show. Read more about the Folk Art Center.
May 19, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour
The 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village open up their studios for visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided, 11 AM-4 PM. Adjacent to Grovewood Gallery. Read more.
May 19, 2018: Montford Arts and Music Festival
This street festival, including musical acts, food and a juried art show, highlights the artistic strength of Montford, one of Asheville’s oldest neighborhoods. This giant neighborhood block party features 100 artists and craft’s persons, regional and international food plaza, and two stages of live music. 10 AM-7 PM. Free. Read more about the Montford Festival.
May 19, 2018: Saluda Arts Festival
One of the best outdoor markets of the year with 100% top quality artists fill the quaint mountain village of Saluda, 10 AM to 5 PM. Read more.
May 26-27, 2018: Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour
Kenilworth neighborhood, just five minutes from downtown Asheville, annual Open Studio Tour features 20+ jewelers, painters, glass-workers, fabric artists, potters, woodworkers, photographers and more! They open their studio doors to welcome visitors for sales and demonstrations. 10 AM-5 PM. Read more.
May 26-27, 2018: White Squirrel Festival
Go nuts in downtown Brevard with a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts and more. Read all about it.
May 26-28, 2018: Lake Lure Arts Festival
See handmade creations from more than 60 artisans from across the region. Free admission. Across from The Beach at Lake Lure, 2771 Memorial Highway. Go to our Lake Lure Guide.
May 26-27, 2018 Rotary Arts & Craft Fair
See works of 90 of the finest artisans from the Southeast on the Village Green in Cashiers, 10 AM- 5 PM. Find ironwork, woodcraft, textiles, cakes, jams, pottery and more.
May 26-27, 2018: Art on the Greene
Buy art and support the restoration of the historic school in Banner Elk. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry and more. 10 AM-5 PM.
May 26-27, 2018: Garden Jubilee Festival
This Downtown Hendersonville Festival is the ideal event for passionate gardeners searching for the perfect plants and unique lawn & garden accessories and arts & crafts. See our Hendersonville Guide.
June 1-3, 2018: Toe River Studio Tour
About an hour north of Asheville, tucked in the lush green mountains is one of the finest collections of artists and craftsmen in the world and the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. A unique blend of contemporary and traditional cultures. More than 100 fine artists and crafts people open their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure. Free. Read more.
June 9, 2018: Clay Fest at Folk Art Center
This free event (10 AM-4 PM) features craft demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and adults. Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild demonstrate throwing on the potter's wheel, hand-building and surface design on clay, among other techniques. A highlight of the day is the Make and Take Raku Firing. Read more about the Folk Art Center.
June 9, 2018: Bluff Mountain Festival
This free, family-friendly festival in Hot Springs features great old-time and bluegrass music, ballads, clogging and square dance, and a silent auction and raffle of regional art work, local crafts, vacation packages and more. Begins at 10 AM, includes an array of delicious foods and ends with a square dance until dark.
June 9, 2018: Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration
A full-day celebration in downtown Waynesville of traditional mountain craft, food and entertainment. Demonstrations of Appalachian life skills & crafts, storytelling, mountain music & clogging, homestyle food vendors. 10 AM –5 PM.
June 16, 23 & 30, 2018: Asheville Art in the Park
See and buy fine arts and crafts from dozens of local artists at Pack Square Park in downtown. Read more about Art in the Park.
June 15-17, 2018: Rhododendron Festivals
Celebration of the famous blooms at Roan Mountain with festivals in Bakersville and in Tennessee. Read more.
June 16, 2018: Front Street Arts & Crafts Show
A variety of artisans come to the artsy village of Dillsboro, complete with music and food. 10 AM-4 PM.
June 16, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour
The 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village open up their studios for visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided, 11 AM-4 PM. Adjacent to Grovewood Gallery. Read more.
June 22-23, 2018: Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain County, starting at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. 10 AM-5 PM. Read more.
June 23-24, 2018: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts & Crafts Show
Held indoors at the Haywood County Fairgrounds located on Highway 209 (758 Crabtree Road) near Waynesville and Lake Junaluska, with 50 crafters offering all handmade items. 8 AM-5 PM. Free parking.
June 30-July 1, 2018: Summertime Art & Crafts Show
Held in the Ramsey Center arena at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, the show features some of the most respected and unique artisans in the Appalachian Mountains with 100 exhibitors showcasing their contemporary and heritage art & crafts. 10-5. Go to their website.
June 30-July 1, 2018: Pots on the Green
See works of 15 invitational potters in Cashiers with a big pottery sale. 10-5.
June 30-July 1, 2018: Freedom Arts & Crafts Show
The Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association, a local nonprofit group has an indoor show with approximately 50 crafters, free parking, free admission and food at Haywood County Fairgrounds in Waynesville.
July 7, 2018: Coon Dog Day Festival
Celebrate dogs and their people with a parade, music, crafts and more in Saluda. Read more.
July 7-8, 2018: Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts
See 100+ regional, local and national artists and craft artisans with fine jewelry, a big variety of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor. Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. 10 AM-5 PM
July 15, 2018: The Big Crafty
Showcase of 150+ local artists, crafters, makers with food, drink and music in Pack Square Park downtown Asheville, 12-6 PM.
July 20-22, 2018: Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival
This outdoor show in Banner Elk is strictly fine art and master crafts by an invitation-only, juried process. Mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, blown and stained glass, pottery, painting, photography, textiles, unique craft, furniture and wood. Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM.
July 21, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village open up their studios for visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided, 11 AM-4 PM. Adjacent to Grovewood Gallery. Read more.
July 20-22, 2018: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
The big Craft Fair, held at the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville, showcases juried work by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. Admission. Read more.
July 27-28, 2018: Hillbilly Jam
Several dozen arts and crafts vendors help celebrate mountain country living at this fun festival. Read more.
July 28, 2018: International Day
This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international cuisine, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and regional music and dance. See our Waynesville Guide.
August 3-4, 2018: Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Downtown Burnsville
The streets of this "Norman Rockwell" town come to life for this special festival. Quality crafters display hand-made furniture, wrought iron, blown glass, beaded jewelry, locally-made quilts, homemade jams and jellies. See our Guide.
August 4-5, 2018: Village Art & Craft Fair
Held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, the fair hosts 100+ artists from 20 states representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more. Free. See our Guide.
August 3-4, 2018: LEAF Downtown Asheville
International music festival with plenty of art in Pack Square Park. Free. Read more.
August 4, 2018: Wood Day
Wood Day is an event that brings together the woodworkers of the Southern Highland Craft Guild to demonstrate a wide range of woodworking techniques and skills at the Folk Art Center from 10 AM-4 PM.
August 10-12, 2018: Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival
This outdoor show in Banner Elk is strictly fine art and master crafts by an invitation-only, juried process. Mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, blown and stained glass, pottery, painting, photography, textiles, unique craft, furniture and wood.
August 11-12, 2018: Sourwood Festival
200 vendors with original art and gifts at this free street festival in downtown Black Mountain to celebrate bees and honey. Read more.
August 18, 2018: Summer Arts & Crafts Market
More than 40 artisans in downtown Dillsboro, 10-4. Read about Dillsboro.
August 18, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village open up their studios for visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided, 11 AM-4 PM. Adjacent to Grovewood Gallery. Read more.
August 18-19, 2018: Come to Leicester Studio Tour
Take a free, self-guided tour to 23 studios and shops in Leicester, a community nestled in the mountains near Asheville. A detailed tour map will be available at every tour stop. 10 AM-6 PM. Go to their website.
August 31-September 3, 2018: NC Apple Festival
Many events with plenty of apples, art and entertainment in downtown Hendersonville. Read more.
September 1-2, 2018: Art on the Greene
Buy art and support the restoration of the historic school in Banner Elk. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry and more. 10 AM-5 PM.
September 1-2, 2018 Rotary Arts & Craft Fair
See works of 90 of the finest artisans from the Southeast on the Village Green in Cashiers, 10 AM- 5 PM. Find ironwork, woodcraft, textiles, cakes, jams, pottery and more.
September 7-8, 2018: Goombay!
Find international art at this celebration of African-Caribbean culture in downtown Asheville. Read more.
September 7-8, 2018: Historic Morganton Festival
This big festival includes four stages of music and plenty of fine arts and crafts. Go to their website.
September 15, 2018: Art in Autumn
Downtown Weaverville street festival with more than 100 juried artists and craftspeople, along with an exciting array of food and live music. 10 AM-5 PM on Main Street. Six miles north of Asheville. See our Guide.
September 15, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village open up their studios for visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided, 11 AM-4 PM. Adjacent to Grovewood Gallery. Read more.
September 22, 2018: North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival
See ceramic artists from across the country in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, 10 AM-5 PM.
September 22-23, 2018: Heritage Weekend
This is the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s weekend to celebrate heritage crafts of the Appalachian Mountains. See craft techniques with hand tools, native materials and lots of ingenuity through demonstrations in the native arts at the Folk Art Center. In addition to crafts, traditional music and storytelling. World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday. Read more.
September 22, 2018: Art on the Island
A fall fair on Blannahassett Island in the French Broad River in Marshall. 10 AM-5 PM
September 22, 2018: Carolina Craft Day
See traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian art and craft at the NC Arboretum. Read more.
September 28-30, 2018: Asheville Quilt Show
Held at the WNC Ag Center with 350+ competition quilts on display, plus quilting skills demonstrations, vendors and quilts for sale. Fri & Sat, 9 AM-5 PM and Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.
September 29, 2018: Mountain Heritage Day
Outdoor festival at Western Carolina University with sights, sounds and flavors of yesteryear. Appalachian music and 80 booths of regional art and crafts. Read more.
September 29-30, 2018: Art on Main
Stroll down the middle of downtown Hendersonville for plenty of art, 10 AM-5 PM.
September 29-30, 2018: Art Trek
Visit artist studios in the Tryon area. Start at Upstairs Artspace, 49 South Trade Street, Tryon.
October 5-7, 2018: Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
Held on the beautiful Village Green and Commons during peak color, with 100 artisans and merchants with unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and much more. Live music. Read about Cashiers.
October 6, 2018: Mars Hill Heritage & Music
Two festivals to celebrate mountain craft, music and dance, the Heritage Festival and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival in downtown Mars Hill. 10 AM-4 PM.
October 6, 2018: Forest Festival
Gathering of 80 traditional craftspeople including wood carvers, weavers, blacksmith and more at Cradle of Forestry. Read more.
October 6, 13 & 20, 2018: Asheville Art in the Park
See and buy fine arts and crafts from local artists at Pack Square Park in downtown. Read more about Art in the Park.
October 13, 2018: Church Street Art & Craft Show
Main Street in downtown Waynesville is transformed into an art & craft marketplace for this one-day event; widely known as one of the finest juried art shows in the region. Live mountain music & clogging, entertainment, food. 10 AM-5 PM.
October 13, 2018: Mountain Glory Festival
The biggest festival of the year in Marion fills its Main Street with many vendors with art and craft. 9:30 AM-6 PM. Read more about Marion.
October 13-14, 2018: Spruce Pine Potter's Market
This unique gathering of the region’s greatest potters and clay artists features wonderful food and beautiful handmade pottery on a colorful autumn weekend at the historic 31 Cross Street Building in downtown Spruce Pine.
October 13-14, 2018: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts & Crafts Autumn Leaves Show
Held indoors at the Haywood County Fairgrounds located on Highway 209 (758 Crabtree Road) near Waynesville and Lake Junaluska, 9 AM-4 PM, with 50 crafters offering all handmade items.
October 18/21, 2018: LEAF Festival
Celebrate Music, Discover Community and Experience Culture at LEAF in a beautiful lakefront setting near Black Mountain. 5 Stages of Folk & World, Bluegrass, Blues, African, Celtic and jams with headline performers. Handcrafts, folk art, dancing, Poetry SLAM, healing arts workshops and camping. See our LEAF Guide.
October 19-21, 2018: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Held in downtown Asheville, the huge fair showcases work by hundreds of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Admission. See our Guide.
October 19-21, 2018: Harvest Festival
Showcase of traditional mountain life, held at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, located near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville with best of Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts. Read more!
October 20, 2018: Apple Harvest Festival
Plenty of crafts, music and apples in downtown Waynesville, 10 AM-5 PM. Read about Waynesville.
October 20, 2018: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 11 resident artists at Grovewood Village open up their studios for visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided, 11 AM-4 PM. Adjacent to Grovewood Gallery. Read more.
October 20-21, 2018: Lake Lure Arts Festival
See handmade creations from more than 60 artisans from across the region. Free admission. Across from The Beach at Lake Lure, 2771 Memorial Highway. Go to our Lake Lure Guide.
October 20-21, 2018: Woolly Worm Festival
Race a worm and browse 100+ art and craft vendors in downtown Banner Elk. Admission. Read more.
October 20-21, 2018: Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show
Find 100 artisans and crafters outdoors at the Festival Grounds, 9 AM-4 PM. Free. Read about Maggie Valley.
October 27-28, 2018: Beaverdam Studio Tour
Meet 30 artists with ceramics, glass, fiber, photography, metal, mixed media and sculpture in their studios in Beaverdam Valley in North Asheville. Go to their Web site.
November 3-4, 2018: Weaverville Art Safari
Located ten minutes north of Asheville, Weaverville is the home to many extremely talented artists. Drive to studios and galleries tucked away in the countryside. Free. Read more.
November 3, 2018: Western North Carolina Pottery Festival
A juried event in Dillsboro with approximately 45 potters from across the Southeast. Admission. See our Pottery Festival Guide.
November 10-11, 2018: River District Artists Studio Stroll
Tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks is an eclectic mix of dozens of creative artists - from traditional to cutting-edge. Near downtown Asheville. Free. Read more.
November 10, 2018: Christmas Show
The Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association, a local nonprofit group has an indoor show with approximately 50 crafters, free parking, free admission and food at Haywood County Fairgrounds in Waynesville.
November 23-24, 2018: Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain County, starting at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. 10 AM-5 PM. Read more.
December 1-2, 2018: Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Held at the Western Carolina University Ramsey Center in Cullowhee. A perennial favorite for unique regional arts and crafts at great prices. 100+ potters, glass artists, wood craft, folk dolls and hard to find Old World Santas and ornaments.
November 30-December 2, 2018: Toe River Studio Tour
About an hour north of Asheville, tucked in the lush green mountains is one of the finest collections of artists and craftsmen in the world and the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. More than 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium open their studios for a free, self-guided adventure. Free. Read more.
December 1 & 8, 2018: Artist Sale
Guild Artist Holiday Sale at Folk Art Center. Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be on hand in the center’s auditorium to sell select work 10-50% off retail.
December 1-2, 2018: The Big Crafty
Buy from 150+ local artists inside the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville.
Also see more events and festivals for Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall and the Holidays.
