If you love art festivals in Asheville and the surrounding small towns in our Blue Ridge Mountains, this is for you! The western North Carolina 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! 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. Plus, check out the many artist studios in the River Arts District and the top stops on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails.
Asheville Art & Crafts Events & Festivals Calendar
February 21-23, 2020: 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.
March 7, 2020: Penland School Open House
The once-a-year event with a behind-the-scenes look at the studio with hands-on experiences. See our Penland School Guide.
April 18, 2020: Potters Market of Madison County
20+ ceramic artists from the Southeast showcase diverse contemporary selection at the Marshall High Studios in downtown Marshall,
April 25, 2020: Greening Up the Mountains
Annual street festival in Sylva that features music, art and craft. Read more about Greening Up the Mountain.
April 25, 2020: 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 25-26, 2020: 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.
May 2, 2020: Mayfest
Downtown Rutherfordton big street festival downtown 10 AM-5 PM. Read more about Mayfest.
May 14-17, 2020: 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. Handcrafts, folk art, dancing, Poetry SLAM, healing arts workshops and camping. Admission. See our LEAF Guide.
May 9-10, 2020: Fiber Weekend
Meet 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 16, 2020: Open Studios Art Tour
The 10 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 about Grovewood Village.
May 16, 2020: 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 16, 2020: 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. Definitely one of our favorites. Read more about Saluda Arts Festival.
May 23, 2020: Cowee Valley Pottery Festival
Held at the historic Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, this juried pottery show and pottery sale includes demonstrations, food trucks, talks and more. Go to their Website.
May 23-25, 2020: 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 about Kenilworth Studio Tour.
May 22-24, 2020: White Squirrel Festival
Go nuts in downtown Brevard with a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts and more along Main Street. Read all about the White Squirrel Festival.
May 23-25, 2020: 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 23-24, 2020: Rotary Arts & Craft Fair
See works of 80+ 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 23-24, 2020: 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 23-25, 2020: Garden Jubilee Festival
This Downtown Hendersonville street 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.
May 23-24, 2020: Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts
See 100+ artists on Lexington Avenue, free admission, 10 AM-5 PM.
June 5, 2020: Art After Dark
Galleries open late in downtown Waynesville with special events, shows and music.
June 5-7, 2020: 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 6, 2020: Mermaid Parade & Festival
Go to the small town of Marshall for a fun day that includes a parade, crafts and music. See our Marshall Guide.
June 13, 2020: Clay Day 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 13, 2020: 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 13, 20 & 27, 2020: 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 19-21, 2020: Rhododendron Festivals
Celebration of the famous blooms at Roan Mountain with festivals in Bakersville and in Tennessee. Read more.
June 20, 2020: 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 20, 2020: Open Studios Art Tour
The 10 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 about Grovewood Village.
June 19-20, 2020: Cherry Bounce Festival
Go to Forest City for music, crafts, food trucks and much more. See our guide.
June 20, 2020: Hola Asheville
Latin American arts, crafts, music, food and more downtown. Read more about Hola Asheville.
June 26-27, 2019: Pots on the Green
See works of 15 invitational potters in Cashiers with a big pottery sale. 10-5.
June 26-27, 2020: 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 about Stecoah Valley.
June 27-28, 2020: 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.
See July 4th Festivals. Top pick for art is Freedom Fest in Bryson City.
July 3-5, 2020: Cherokee Pow Wow
Find authentic Cherokee Indian crafts and art, along with dancing, drumming and more. Go to our Pow Wow Guide.
July 11, 2020: Coon Dog Day Festival
Celebrate dogs and their people with a very fun parade, music, crafts and competitions in Saluda. Read more about Coon Dog Day.
July 4-5, 2020: Art on the Greene
Meet 40+ artists with a big variety of top art in Banner Elk. Go to their Website.
July 4-5, 2020: 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 11-12, 2020: Maggie Valley Summer Arts & Crafts Show
Find 100+ artisans from across the Southeast at the Festival Grounds. Read more about Maggie Valley.
July 12, 2020: 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 18, 2020: 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.
July 16-19, 2020: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Held insdie at the Harrah's Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville, find the best juried work by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. Admission. Read more about the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands.
July 24-25, 2020: Hillbilly Jam
Several dozen arts and crafts vendors help celebrate mountain country living at this fun festival in Maggie Valley. Go to our Hillbilly Jam Guide.
July 25, 2020: International Day
This big street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, cuisine, dance and music from Folkmoot USA. Dance lessons too! Go to our International Day Guide.
August 1-2, 2020: 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 Village Art Fair Guide.
August 1, 2020: Wood Day
Woodworkers of the Southern Highland Craft Guild come together to demonstrate a wide range of woodworking techniques and skills at the Folk Art Center from 10 AM-4 PM.
August 7-8, 2020: Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
The streets of Burnsville are packed for this longtime, highly popular gathering of artists. Quality crafters display hand-made furniture, wrought iron, blown glass, beaded jewelry, locally-made quilts, homemade jams and jellies. See our Mt Mitchell Crafts Fair Guide.
August 7-8, 2020: LEAF Downtown Asheville
International music festival with plenty of art in Pack Square Park. Free. Read more about LEAF Downtown.
August 7-9, 2020: Waldesian Festival
The small town of Valdese near Morganton has a big street festival with plenty of crafts and arts. Read more about Valdese.
August 8-9, 2020: 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 15, 2020: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 10 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.
August 15-16, 2020: Come to Leicester Studio Tour
Take a free, self-guided tour to 20+ 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 4-7, 2020: NC Apple Festival
Many events with plenty of apples, art and entertainment in downtown Hendersonville. See our NC Apple Festival Guide.
September 5-6, 2020: 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 5-6, 2020: 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. Read about Cashiers
September 5-6, 2020: Maggie Valley Summer Arts & Crafts Show
Find 100+ artisans from across the Southeast at the Festival Grounds. Read more about Maggie Valley.
September 11-12, 2020: Morganton Festival
This big festival includes four stages of music and plenty of fine arts and crafts. Go to their website.
September 19-20, 2020: Heritage Weekend
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 about Heritage Weekend.
September 19, 2020: Art in Autumn
Downtown Weaverville street festival features 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 Art in Autumn Guide.
September 19, 2020: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 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 19, 2020: North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival
See ceramic artists from across the country in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, 10 AM-5 PM.
September 26, 2020: Art on the Island
A fun fair on Blannahassett Island in the French Broad River in Marshall. 10 AM-5 PM
September 26, 2020: 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 about Mountain Heritage.
September 26-27, 2020: Art on Main
Stroll down the middle of downtown Hendersonville for plenty of art, 10 AM-5 PM. Find many downtown galleries too.
October 3, 2020: Colorfest
Dillsboro welcomes 40+ demonstrating artists along Front Street - plus many galleries to browse. Read more about Dillsboro.
October 3, 2020: Hilltop Fall Festival
This big street festival in downtown Rutherfordton has a big variety of crafts and art. See our Rutherfordton Guide.
October 3, 2020: 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 3, 2020: Forest Festival
Gathering of 80 traditional craftspeople including wood carvers, weavers, blacksmith and more at Cradle of Forestry. Read more about Cradle of Forestry.
October 3, 10 & 17, 2020: 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 9-11, 2020: 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 10, 2020: 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 10, 2020: 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 10-11, 2020: Spruce Pine Potter's Market
This unique gathering of the region’s greatest potters and clay artists features wonderful food and beautiful handmade pottery at the historic 31 Cross Street Building in downtown Spruce Pine.
October 22-25, 2020: LEAF Festival
Celebrate music, discover community and experience culture 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 15-18, 2020: 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. One of the top shows in the Southeast USA. Admission. See our Guide.
October 17, 2020: 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 17, 2020: Apple Harvest Festival
Plenty of crafts, music and apples in downtown Waynesville, 10 AM-5 PM. Read about Waynesville.
October 17, 2020: Open Studios Art Tour at Grovewood Village
The 10 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 17-18, 2020: 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 17-28, 2020: Woolly Worm Festival
Race a worm and browse 100+ art and craft vendors in downtown Banner Elk. Admission. Read more.
October 17-18, 2020: 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 24-25, 2020: 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.
October 24-25, 2020: Hot Works Asheville Fine Art Show
See juried artists' work in Pack Square Park in downtown. 10-5
November 7-8, 2020: 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 about Weaverville Art Safari.
November 7, 2020: Western North Carolina Pottery Festival
A juried event in Sylva with approximately 45 potters from across the Southeast. Admission. See our Pottery Festival Guide.
November 7-8, 2020: 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 about the Studio Stroll.
November 23-24, 2020: Marshall Handmade Market
Indoor show at the Marshall High Studios on Blannahassatt Island. 10 AM-5 PM. See our Marshall Guide.
November 25-26, 2020: 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 about Stecoah.
November 27-29, 2020: 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. 10 AM-5 PM each day.
December 4-6, 2020: 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 about Toe River Tour.
December 5 & 12, 2020: 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. Demos & special exhibitions too.
December 5-6, 2020: 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.
