Happening this Weekend: July 30th-August 2nd

Thursday, July 30 

Asheville:   99th Annual Mountain Dance & Folk Festival. Mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, balladeers, and others showcase authentic bluegrass music and dancing. 

• Performances 7-10 pm July 30-August 1
• $20 adults, $5 students/children (6-12), $55 three-night package, $15 group (10+)
• Asheville High School Auditorium, 419 McDowell Street 

Friday, July 31 

Asheville, Downtown:   Monster Wave at Fitz and the Wolfe. Instrumental surf rock with spooky, signature sound in the Showroom. Ages 21+. 

• Free
• 6-8:30 pm
• 1 Battery Park Avenue 

Asheville, Downtown:   The Maggie Valley Band at Fitz and the Wolfe. Sisters Whitney and Caroline Miller blend Appalachian folk, Americana, and indie rock in the Showroom. Ages 21+. 

• Free
• 9-11 pm
• 1 Battery Park Avenue 

Asheville, Downtown:   Drayton Aldridge Residency: Drayton Aldridge and the Dreamboats perform jazz at Fitz and the Wolfe. In the Palm Room. Ages 21+. 

• Free
• 9 pm-12 am
• 1 Battery Park Avenue 

Saturday, August 1 

Sapphire, Jackson County:   Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show. Local artisans showcase pottery, textiles, woodwork, paintings, and fine jewelry alongside live regional music and family-friendly activities. 60 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• Free admission
• 10 am-4 pm (also held the following day, August 2)
• Sapphire Valley Resort, 127 Cherokee Trail 

Linville, Avery County:   Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Grandfather Mountain. Reservations required for this up-close experience with resident animals hosted by experienced keepers. Tours reveal where animals sleep and animal care. Approximately one hour. 68 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• $35 per person plus park admission ($31 Bridge Club members)
• 12:30 pm and 1:15 pm
• 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville 

Sunday, August 2 

Banner Elk, Avery County:   Art on the Greene. Browse Metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more in this high country small town. Sales support restoration of the historic Banner Elk School. 74 miles from downtown Asheville. 

• Free admission
• 10 am-5 pm
• 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk