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.
Asheville Art & Crafts Events & Festivals Calendar
For art any day of the year (along with special openings and shows), see our Asheville Gallery Guide or visit the Folk Art Center with rotating exhibitions and daily demonstrations. And take an art class or workshop in Asheville.
February 17-19, 2017: Arts & Crafts Antique Show and Conference
For the past nineteen years Arts and Crafts enthusiasts - including new collectors, veterans, curators, craftsperson, authors, builders, architects, designers, editors, and bungalow owners - have traveled to the Blue Ridge Mountains and The Grove Park Inn for this show. Admission. Read more about the Arts and Crafts Conference
April 8, 2017: Potters 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 22, 2017: Greening Up the Mountains
Annual street festival in Sylva that features music, art and craft. Read more about Greening Up the Mountain.
April 29, 2017: 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 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 29-30, 2017: 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 Web site.
May 11-14, 2017: 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 13 & 27, 2017: Spruce Street Market
See and buy creations of 50 local artists at this downtown Asheville street fair near Pack Square. Read more.
May 13-14, 2017: 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 20, 2017: Montford Arts and Music Festival
This street festival, including musical acts, food, and a juried art show, highlight 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 20, 2017: Grovewood Gallery 25th Anniversary
Celebration features outdoor sculpture exhibition, artist demonstrations, live music from The Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, and local food and drinks. See works from 400 artists. 2-6 PM. 111 Grovewood Road. Go to their Web site.
May 20, 2017: 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 20-21, 2017: River District Artists Studio Stroll
The Studio Stroll is your chance to tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks are dozens of eclectic mix of creative artists - from traditional to cutting-edge. Near downtown Asheville. Free. Read more.
May 27-28, 2017: 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. 10AM-5PM. Read more.
May 27-28, 2017: White Squirrel Festival
Go nuts in downtown Brevard with a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts and more. Read all about it.
May 27-29, 2017: 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 27-28, 2017 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 27-28, 2017: 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 27-28, 2017: 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 2-4, 2017: 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 10, 2017: Clay Fest at Folk Art Center
This free event (10AM-4PM) 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 10 & 24, 2017: Spruce Street Market
See and buy creations of 50 local artists at this downtown Asheville street fair near Pack Square. Read more.
June 10, 2017: 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 10, 2017: 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, home-style food vendors. 10 AM –5 PM
June 10, 17 & 24, 2017: 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 16-18, 2017: Rhododendron Festivals
Celebration of the famous blooms at Roan Mountain with festivals in Bakersville and in Tennessee. Read more.
June 17, 2017: 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 23-24, 2017: 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 24-25, 2017: 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, 8 AM-5 PM with 50 crafters offering all handmade items. Free parking. Go to their Web site
June 24-25, 2017: 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. Admission. Go to their Web site.
July 1-2, 2017: 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 8, 2017: Coon Dog Day Festival
Celebrate dogs and their people with parade, music crafts and more in Saluda. Read more.
July 8 & 22, 2017: Spruce Street Market
See and buy creations of 50 local artists at this downtown Asheville street fair near Pack Square. Read more.
July 14-16, 2017: Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival
This outdoor show in Banner Elk is strictly fine art and master crafts by invitation only by a 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 15, 2017: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
Tour studios 11 AM-4 PM in historic factory that is home to 12 artists. Free. Next to Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd behind Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
July 21-23, 2017: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
The big Craft Fair, held in 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 29, 2017: 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 4-5, 2017: 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, home-made jams and jellies. See our Guide.
August 5-6, 2017: 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 5-6, 2017: LEAF Downtown Asheville
International music festival with plenty of art in Pack Square Park. Free. Read more.
August 5, 2017: 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 11-13, 2017: Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival
This outdoor show in Banner Elk is strictly fine art and master crafts by invitation only by a juried process. Mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, blown and stained glass, pottery, painting, photography, textiles, unique craft, furniture, and wood.
August 12-13, 2017: Sourwood Festival
There's always plenty to see and do at this free street festival in downtown Black Mountain with great music and lots of fun, and of course lots of great mountain cookin'.
August 12 & 26, 2017: Spruce Street Market
See and buy creations of 50 local artists at this downtown Asheville street fair near Pack Square. Read more.
August 19, 2017: Summer Arts & Crafts Market
More than 40 artisans in downtown Dillsboro, 10-4. Read about Dillsboro.
August 19, 2017: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
Tour studios 11 AM-4 PM in historic factory that is home to 12 artists. Free. Next to Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd behind Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
August 18-19, 2017: 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.
September 1-4, 2017: NC Apple Festival
Many events with plenty of apples, art and entertainment in downtown Hendersonville. Read more.
September 2-3, 2017: 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 2-3, 2017 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 8-9, 2017: Historic Morganton Festival
This big festival includes four stages of music and plenty of fine arts and crafts. Go to their website.
September 9 & 23, 2017: Spruce Street Market
See and buy creations of 50 local artists at this downtown Asheville street fair near Pack Square. Read more.
September 16-17, 2017: 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 16, 2017: 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 16, 2017: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
Tour studios 11 AM-4 PM in historic factory that is home to 12 artists. Free. Next to Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd behind Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
September 16-17, 2017: Open Studio Tour of Henderson County
Self-guided, free tour of 36 studios with more than 60 artists in Hendersonville and Flat Rock areas. 10 AM-5 PM. Go to their website.
September 23, 2017: Art on the Island
A fall fair on Blannahassett Island in the French Broad River in Marshall. 10 AM-5 PM
September 23, 2017: Carolina Craft Day
See traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian art and craft at the NC Arboretum. Read more.
September 23, 2017: North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival
French Broad River Park (580 Riverview Dr, Asheville) will host 20 ceramic artists, food trucks and buskers. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
September 29-October 1, 2017: Asheville Quilt Show
Held at the WNC Ag Center with 200+ competition quilts on display, plus quilting skills demonstrations, vendors and quilts for sale. Fri & Sat, 9-5 and Sunday 10-5
September 30, 2017: 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 30-October 1, 2017: Art on Main
Stroll down the middle of downtown Hendersonville for plenty of art, 10 AM-5 PM.
September 30-October 1, 2017: Art Trek: Foothills Open Studios
Self-guided, free tour of approximately 20 artist studios in Tryon, Saluda, and Mill Spring, North Carolina and Landrum, South Carolina starting at Upstairs Artspace at 49 South Trade Street in Tryon where a map and directions are available. Go to their website.
October 6-8, 2017: 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 7, 2017: Colorfest, Art & Taste of Appalachia
40 local demonstrating artists who will fill the picturesque town of Dillsboro with color. See artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas, hear stands of music blossoming through the doorways, and experience a delicious taste of NC foods and wines. 10 AM-4 PM.
October 7, 2017: 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 7, 2017: Forest Festival
Gathering of 80 traditional craftspeople including wood carvers, weavers, blacksmith and more at Cradle of Forestry. Admission. Read more.
October 7, 14 & 21, 2017: 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 14, 2017: 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 14-15, 2017: 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 14-15, 2017: 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. Go to their Web site
October 19-22, 2017: 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. Admission. See our LEAF Guide.
October 20-22, 2017: 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 20-22, 2017: 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 21, 2017: Apple Harvest Festival
Plenty of crafts, music and apples in downtown Waynesville, 10-5. Read about Waynesville.
October 21, 2017: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
Tour studios 11 AM-4 PM in historic factory that is home to 12 artists. Free. Next to Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd behind Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
October 21-22, 2017: 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 21-22, 2017: Woolly Worm Festival
Race a worm and browse 100+ art and craft vendors in downtown Banner Elk. Admission. Read more.
October 21-22, 2017: Autumn Leaves Festival
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. 9-4
November 4-5, 2017: 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 4, 2017: 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 11-12, 2017: River District Artists Studio Stroll
Tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks are dozens of eclectic mix of creative artists - from traditional to cutting-edge. Near downtown Asheville. Free. Read more.
November 11, 2017: 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 24-25, 2017: 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 Santa’s and ornaments.
November 24-25, 2017: 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 1-3, 2017: 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 2 & 9, 2017: 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.
Also see more events and festivals for Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall and the Holidays.
