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Celebrate Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
Memorial Day weekend is May 23-25 in 2026
Celebrate the start of summer in Asheville during Memorial Day Weekend with fun festivals and events. See our list of things to do around WNC, below.
Friday before Memorial Day
Kick off the weekend (and possibly your shoes) on Friday night at downtown Asheville's Drum Circle, pictured above. The popular Friday night tradition includes drummers and dancers in Pritchard Park from 6-10 PM. Read more about the Drum Circle.
Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
The Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts returns to Pack Square May 23-24, 2026 (10 AM-5 PM both days). This free outdoor event brings together local and national artists showcasing paintings, sculpture, glasswork, jewelry, and handmade art across every medium. Stroll Pack Square's Court Plaza surrounded by mountain views while discovering unique pieces from some of the region's finest artists. Learn more.
Get Outdoors (or Indoors)!
Hit the trails, zip line, raft, tube, and find waterfalls nearby. And that's just for starters. See our Top 70 Outdoors Things to Do and our picks for the best Indoor Things to Do, depending on your mood (and the forecast).
Biltmore Estate
See our Insider's Guide to Biltmore in Asheville for tips to make the most of your visit and get the latest ticket offers. While the house is definitely worth all the hype, don't forget to explore the estate grounds for family-friendly outdoor adventures at Biltmore, like biking, rafting, Segways, fishing, and more.
Annual Welcome to Summer Party
Hemingway's Cuba in downtown Asheville invites visitors and locals to kick off summer on their rooftop terrace with Latin beats from DJ MTN Vibez and Blue Ridge views. Includes free tapas beginning at 4:30 PM while supplies last, a free beginner-friendly bachata lesson at 5:30 PM, and a dance party 6:30 to 9:30 PM.
Places to Stay
Book your room early to get your top choice. The legendary Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has a Memorial Day special. See our accommodation guides for top picks for a great getaway: Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels | Cabins | Camping | Packages & Specials
Memorial Day Weekend Top 15 Things to Do
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.…
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…
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…
Lake Santeetlah
This gorgeous lake in Graham County is mostly surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Swim, boat, camp and fish in the pristine waters, near Robbinsville.
Top 8 Zip Line Canopy Tours
Fly above the trees and experience the mountains' natural beauty from a bird's perspective. See our favorite zip line canopy courses to enjoy in the Asheville area of the North Carolina Blue…
Cool Off in Mountain Swimming Holes
Refresh yourself and have fun in our cool mountain waters in our lakes, rivers and waterfalls. See our favorite swimming spots (including popular Sliding Rock), tubing spots, pools and beaches.
6 Mountain Beaches near Asheville
Hit the beach on pristine, cool mountain lakes in the NC mountains near Asheville, complete with sandy shores, lifeguards and plenty of summer fun in the water.
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…
Veteran's History Museum of the Carolinas
A fascinating tour of US history through the eyes of Carolina veterans. The museum covers “modern” wars from World War I through Afghanistan, including the Cold War. Learn intriguing stories of…
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…
River Tubing
Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge - with rentals and…
Sliding Rock
The most popular natural waterslide in North Carolina for generations is in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Slide down a 60-ft. smooth rock waterfall into a pool of chilly water.…
Top Art Galleries
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery, and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are…
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,…
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…
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…
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.
Memorial Day Weekend Events & Specials
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
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 the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.… More Information
White Squirrel Weekend
Go nuts at this three-day downtown Brevard festival featuring a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts, and much more on Memorial Day Weekend.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Opening honors will include a Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 317 of Marshall, NC, followed by the National Anthem, performed by Bradley Parker, USMC, representing Marine Corps… More Information
Hemingway's Cuba 3rd Annual Welcome to Summer Party
Kick off summer on Hemingway's Cuba's rooftop terrace with Latin beats from DJ MTN Vibez and Blue Ridge views. Starts at 4:30 PM with a complimentary tapas tasting, followed by a free beginner-… More Information
GRINDFest AVL
This free annual festival celebrates black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Held in Pack Square Park. Includes music, live performances, talks, workshops, food, local vendors, community… More Information
