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 the 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 Estate
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 $10 if you purchase tickets online 7 days in advance). And explore thousands of acres with many options for outdoor adventures at Biltmore like biking, rafting, Segways, 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
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 descriptions for each, with plenty of photos! Also see Waterfall Drives & Maps.
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 details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.
Apple Orchards Open
September 01, 2018 to October 31, 2018
Get your fresh mountain apples at an orchard in the largest apple-producing area in the east. Many orchards are open daily, several offer tours, events and pick-your-own apples. It's a quick drive from Asheville, with many orchards located along US 64 East of Hendersonville.
Blue Ridge Parkway Top 50
Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge. You can reach elevations of 5,000+ ft. Our mile-by-mile guide of the Parkway covers the 193-mile section near Asheville. So many things to do along one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake.
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 river.
Winery Visits & Tours
In addition to the nation's most visited winery at Biltmore, take a winery tour in the foothills area including around Hendersonville and Morganton. Sample the local wines while enjoying the mountain views. See our Top Wineries to see in western North Carolina.
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.
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, festivals and music. Walk the Urban Trail and tour historic sites. See our Top 25 things to do downtown.
Top 35 Coolest Mountain Small Towns
Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents and relaxed atmosphere.
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 tubes, paddleboards, skis, wakeboards and kneeboards. There's even a beach!
Smoky Mountain Folk Festival, Lake Junaluska
Stay Labor Day weekend, Aug 31-Sept 1, and enjoy two nights (Fri & Sat) of mountain music and dance performances. Two-night package includes room at The Terrace lakeside hotel, continental breakfast and concert tickets. Great deal!
Rates: From $259/couple
Rates: From $259/couple
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.
Lake Lure
There's a lot happening in this lake town! In addition to a beach to keep cool on hot summer's day, there's a wonderful Town Center Walkway that connects the beach to the beautiful Flowering Bridge. Take a boat tour of the lake or bring your mountain bike for their new trail system at Buffalo Creek Park.
Fontana Lake & Dam
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Or walk the Appalachian Trail across the highest dam east of the Rockies.
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. It's just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate.
Asheville Beer & Brewery Guide
Downtown Asheville is the epicenter of the local craft beer explosion. See a complete list of the craft breweries, pubs, taverns, taprooms, brewery tours and more in our Asheville Beer Guide.
Favorite Restaurants
From casual to sophisticated, there are restaurants for all tastes. In downtown Asheville, find 70+ locally-owned restaurants with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs throughout the mountains. See our 40 favorite restaurants.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 20
Explore the most visited national park in the country! With 520,976 acres to traverse, where do you begin? See our top places and hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains near Asheville. Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville.
Labor Day Weekend Events
NC Apple Festival
Friday, August 31, 2018 to Monday, September 3, 2018
Downtown Hendersonville features more than 150 vendors lining eight blocks of the main event area. There is continuous entertainment from 10 AM-10 PM each day. The King Apple Parade, always held on Labor Day, culminates the Main Street activities.
Chihuly Glass Sculptures @ Biltmore
Thursday, May 17, 2018 to Sunday, October 7, 2018
Spectacular outdoor and indoor exhibition in the gardens and Biltmore House, featuring the monumental glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. Included in the regular admission price. Special evening tours also.
Shindig on the Green
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Musicians and dancers from Western North Carolina gather to share Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the "green."
Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, September 1, 2018 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast with a big variety of art, outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley. 9 AM-4 PM each day. Free admission and parking.
Art on the Greene
Saturday, September 1, 2018 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
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. Many other things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Rotary Arts & Crafts Fair, Cashiers
Saturday, September 1, 2018 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
See works of 90 fine artisans from the Southeast on the Village Green in Cashiers, 10 AM-5 PM. Find ironwork, woodcraft, textiles, cakes, jams, pottery and more. Free admission, but donations accepted.
RockFest
Saturday, September 1, 2018 to Sunday, September 2, 2018
Held at Emerald Village near Little Switzerland, enjoy many free events, including guided hikes, music, exhibits, talks and more. Also, pay for gem-mining, pan for gold and take a black light mine tour.
Canton Labor Day Festival
Sunday, September 2, 2018 to Monday, September 3, 2018
Big celebration in Canton since 1906. Sunday features music festival, art and food, 12-9:30 PM ($10/person) at Sorrells Park, and free gospel concert at Colonial Theatre. Monday features a big Labor Day Parade at 10 AM, plus a music festival and car show, 12 PM-9 PM (free). 20 minutes west of Asheville.
LAAF Festival
Sunday, September 2, 2018
A street festival downtown Asheville that showcases our creative personality with local art, music, beer, street performers and more on Lexington Avenue, 12-9 PM. Free.
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