Happening this Weekend: August 20th-23rd

Thursday, August 20  

Asheville, Downtown:   Kiss Country Hometown Homecoming featuring John Morgan. Hailing from Sylva, NC, John Morgan had his first country radio #1 in 2025 with the Jason Aldean collaboration "Friends Like That." His concert is followed by a performance by Prime Country band. Ages 21+. Showroom. 

• Tickets start at $28.52
• 7-11 pm (John Morgan 7-9 pm, Prime Country 9:15-11 pm)
• 1 Battery Park Avenue

Friday, August 21 

Sylva, Jackson County:   Concerts on the Creek - Tuxedo Junction. Free live music in downtown Sylva every Friday from 7-9 PM through Labor Day at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street. Family-friendly. Bring a chair or blanket. Shops, restaurants, and breweries nearby. 47 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• Free
• 7-9 pm
• Bridge Park

Saturday, August 22 

Brevard, Transylvania County:   Bryan McConnell & Mark Guest Duo at Wine Down. Seasoned jazz bassist, composer, and educator Bryan McConnell joins guitarist Mark Guest for an evening of jazz standards, improvisation, and musical storytelling. Their warm, engaging sound creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and intimate night. 34 miles from downtown Asheville.  

• Free
• 6-8 pm
• 28 East Main Street

Forest City, Rutherford County:   Hannah Harper & Summer Brooke & Mtn Faith Band. American Idol 2026 contestant Hannah Harper brings bluegrass gospel alongside Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band, a renowned Christian bluegrass and country group from Sylva. 63 miles from downtown Asheville.

• Check website for prices
• Doors 6 pm, concert 7 pm
• Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center, 172 Rapid Court

Asheville, Downtown:   Shindig on the Green. Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share Southern Appalachian culture and traditions. The real jewel is the informal jam sessions under the trees—anyone can join. Learn new moves at street dances, bring a picnic, or grab food on-site.  

• Free
• Around sundown/7 pm
• Roger McGuire Green, Pack Square Park (in front of City Hall) 

Sunday, August 23 

Linville, Avery County: Meet Fig at Grandfather Mountain. Grandfather Mountain welcomes Fig, an 18-month-old river otter who enjoys socializing with her new otter friend Oscar and keeper staff. Visit any day, but Keeper Talks about river otters take place daily through November 8. 71 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• $12-$35 park admission
• Visit daily; Keeper Talks are 11:30 am and 3:30 pm daily
• 2050 Blowing Rock Highway