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Labor Day Festivities
September 3-5 in 2026 (the weekend before the first Monday in September)
Asheville and the North Carolina mountains have many things to do and events during Labor Day Weekend.
Kick off the weekend on Friday night with:
Concerts on the Creek: Free outside live music in downtown Sylva, with Dashboard Blue (classic hits, big variety) 7-9 PM at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants, and breweries. Family-friendly, bring a chair or blanket. Read more about the concert.
Drum Circle: The popular Friday night tradition in downtown Asheville includes many drummers and dancers in Pritchard Park, 6-10 PM. Read more about the Drum Circle.
See more weekend events and festivals below!
Get Outside!
Hit the hiking trails, zip line, raft the rapids, tube down the rivers, and find waterfalls. And that's just a few ideas. See our Top 70 Outdoors Things to Do!
Biltmore
It will certainly be a busy weekend at Biltmore. See our Biltmore Insider's Guide with plenty of tips and the latest ticket offers (save on tickets when you purchase tickets online 7 days in advance). And explore thousands of acres with many options for outdoor adventures at Biltmore, like biking, rafting, fishing, and more. They also kick off many special fall events in September - read more!
Accommodations
Book early to get your top choice: Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels | Cabins | Camping
Top 20 Things to Do Labor Day Weekend
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC
Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the…
Beach at Lake James
Our top mountain beach is found at Lake James State Park, with a wide sandy beach, bathhouse, concessions and kayak / paddleboard rentals. Nearby, camp, picnic, hike and mountain bike.
Winery Visits & Tours
In addition to the nation's most visited winery at Biltmore, take a winery tour in the foothills area including around Tryon and Columsu, Hendersonville and Morganton. The Tryon Foothills AVA (…
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.
Sliding Rock & Swimming Holes
Be a kid again and splash around in a cool mountain swimming hole. Ride down Sliding Rock, swim under a waterfall, sun on a mountain beach or pristine lake, or spend a lazy day tubing down a…
Top Restaurants In & Near Asheville
From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs…
Waterfalls Top 60
Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full…
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
We are lucky enough to have six rivers and more than a dozen public lakes near Asheville. The rivers are great for rafting and kayaking. The lakes are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.…
Best 75 Mountain Hikes
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and…
Lake Glenville
This pristine reservoir near Cashiers has the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi. Signal Ridge Marina rents a variety of Bennington pontoons and tritoons, as well as…
Blue Ridge Parkway Top 50
Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge to see breathtaking vistas. You can reach elevations of 5,000+ ft. Our mile-by-mile guide of the…
Fontana Lake & Dam
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center…
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries,…
River Arts District
Some 185 working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it…
Weekend Getaways: Discover Top 40 Coolest Mountain Small Towns Near Asheville
There are lots of options if you want to plan a few fun day trips while you are in Western North Carolina. Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its…
Labor Day Weekend Events
Top 50 Summer Festivals & Events
See our list of the best festivals and summer events in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains during June-August.
Goombay Festival
This free, family event in downtown Asheville connects community and showcases Black culture, art, food, and entertainment.
Drum Circle
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown Asheville in Pritchard Park from April-October. And dance the night away!
Art on the Greene, Memorial Day Weekend
Banner Elk is home to this festival series. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more. Many other things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free… More Information
Earl Scruggs Music Festival at Tryon International Equestrian Center
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages. The 2026 lineup includes The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, The Del McCoury Band, Béla Fleck, and more… More Information
