Here are our top picks for Spring events and festivals in the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina - including Easter Weekend, Mother's Day Weekend, and Memorial Day Weekend. For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
March, April & May Events in Asheville & Western NC
Spring at Biltmore
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Chihuly at Biltmore
A new experience of the artist’s iconic creations makes its debut at Biltmore Estate next spring. Presented in an intimate gallery setting, Chihuly at Biltmore includes pedestal works, drawings,… read more
A new experience of the artist’s iconic creations makes its debut at Biltmore Estate next spring. Presented in an intimate gallery setting, Chihuly at Biltmore includes pedestal works, drawings, and large-scale installations of chandeliers, towers, mille fiori, and neon.
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!
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!
FAB Fest, Spring Dates
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer,… read more
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop local art, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, fiber art, sculptures, woodwork, glass blowing, and more! 6 PM. Free admission. 2024 Dates: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September…
Downtown After Five
Enjoy great music, food, and beer in downtown Asheville at this free, popular outdoor concert. Held every third Friday of the month from April-September from 5-9 PM. 2024 Dates: April 19, May 17,… read more
Enjoy great music, food, and beer in downtown Asheville at this free, popular outdoor concert. Held every third Friday of the month from April-September from 5-9 PM. 2024 Dates: April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20, 2024.
Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend
Visit the Hendersonville area for 50+ events celebrating food and drink! Wineries and cideries partner with other outdoor venues for a signature three-day event featuring tours, tastings, food… read more
Visit the Hendersonville area for 50+ events celebrating food and drink! Wineries and cideries partner with other outdoor venues for a signature three-day event featuring tours, tastings, food trucks, live music, wine releases, and more. Set amidst the backdrop of apple blossom season in this Blue Ridge Mountain town.
NOC Spring Fling
Celebrate spring at Nantahala Outdoor Center with a free, family-friendly event by the Nantahala River with the 5K, vendor fair, gear demos, food, music and specials at the Outfitter's Store.
Celebrate spring at Nantahala Outdoor Center with a free, family-friendly event by the Nantahala River with the 5K, vendor fair, gear demos, food, music and specials at the Outfitter's Store.
Spring Herb Festival at WNC Ag Center
Largest herb festival in the Southeast with 50+ businesses with plants, books, soaps, herbal crafts, medicinal herbs, lotions, dried flowers, baked goods, herbal gifts and much more. Free… read more
Largest herb festival in the Southeast with 50+ businesses with plants, books, soaps, herbal crafts, medicinal herbs, lotions, dried flowers, baked goods, herbal gifts and much more. Free admission.
Fire On the Mountain
Come to downtown Spruce Pine to see and buy works from Penland School and nationally-renowned blacksmiths demonstrating their skills. Iron & metal art exhibit, tool and gear vendors, forge-off… read more
Come to downtown Spruce Pine to see and buy works from Penland School and nationally-renowned blacksmiths demonstrating their skills. Iron & metal art exhibit, tool and gear vendors, forge-off, food trucks. Free admission. No pets.
Greening Up the Mountains Festival
Celebrate the arrival of spring at this big downtown Sylva street festival, about an hour's drive west of Asheville. Three stages of music, crafts, music, more. Free admission.
Celebrate the arrival of spring at this big downtown Sylva street festival, about an hour's drive west of Asheville. Three stages of music, crafts, music, more. Free admission.
Pioneer Day
Experience traditional Appalachian crafts, food, games, music and storytelling (10-4) at the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort with historic log cabins. Free admission.
Experience traditional Appalachian crafts, food, games, music and storytelling (10-4) at the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort with historic log cabins. Free admission.
Bloom with a View, NC Arboretum
May 4 - 19, 2024
This spring, a unique and immersive floral experience returns to the North Carolina Arboretum. Now in its second year, “Bloom with A View” is designed specifically for the gardens and landscape of the North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens and promenade, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. It’s sure to be a creative… read more
Get In Gear Fest
FREE, family-friendly event showcasing the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East.
Connect with local companies, products, and experiences. Enjoy… read more
FREE, family-friendly event showcasing the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East.
Connect with local companies, products, and experiences. Enjoy activities for all ages and outdoor experience levels, including a pop-up kids bike park, demo bike and e-bike rides, hammocking, and paddleboarding.Try on clothing, bags, packs, shoes, and outdoor…
LEAF Global Arts Retreat
Just as spring warms up, it's time to head to historic Lake Eden in Black Mountain for the family-friendly LEAF Global Arts Retreat. They limit attendance to 1,500 folks, so it's an intimate… read more
Just as spring warms up, it's time to head to historic Lake Eden in Black Mountain for the family-friendly LEAF Global Arts Retreat. They limit attendance to 1,500 folks, so it's an intimate gathering. There's plenty of space to kick back, relax, play, camp, and connect with global arts, music, culture, and nature.
For tickets and information, visit LEAF's website.
Artist…
Mother's Day Weekend
Find ideas for events and things to do with mom or grandma in Asheville and the mountains, including flowers, shopping, art, spas and more.
Find ideas for events and things to do with mom or grandma in Asheville and the mountains, including flowers, shopping, art, spas and more.
Fiber Day, Folk Art Center
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demos include quilting and appliqué, doll making,… read more
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demos include quilting and appliqué, doll making, weaving, mixed media fiber arts, clothing, printing design, tapestry weaving, and natural dyeing. Free admission. Event will be 10am-4pm in the Folk Art Center auditorium.
Lake Lure Spring Arts Festival
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy entertainment, food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Free admission. 119 Arcade St, Lake Lure
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy entertainment, food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Free admission. 119 Arcade St, Lake Lure
Mother's Day Tea at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Lift your teacup to honor the special women in your life! This lavish Mother's Day Tea Party is the perfect way to say thank you.
Picture being serenaded by a local violinist while indulging in a selection of hors d'oeuvres, from delicate finger sandwiches to decadent pastries. Then, tap into your internal artist and create pressed flower lanterns and personalized friendship bracelets… read more
Mother’s Day Tea Party at the Perspective Café
Treat yourself to a social afternoon filled with whimsy and fun while sampling in-house offerings at the Asheville Art Museum's Perspective Café. This afternoon tea party features local… read more
Treat yourself to a social afternoon filled with whimsy and fun while sampling in-house offerings at the Asheville Art Museum's Perspective Café. This afternoon tea party features local indulgences from Asheville Tea Company, as well as fresh tea sandwiches, scones, fruit, and house-made pastries. The afternoon also includes the chance to design and create your own Fascinator Hat in an art…
Asheville Beer Week
Experience the largest annual celebration of craft beer in Asheville and western NC with a big variety of beer-related events including releases and tastings paired with music, food and great… read more
Experience the largest annual celebration of craft beer in Asheville and western NC with a big variety of beer-related events including releases and tastings paired with music, food and great settings.
Spring Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry,… read more
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting, and more. 10 AM – 5 PM
Strawberry Jam Half Marathon and 5K
A spectacular half marathon and 5K run in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC. Experience a gorgeous race setting at Darnell Farms, a great course, and an amazing finish line experience… read more
A spectacular half marathon and 5K run in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC. Experience a gorgeous race setting at Darnell Farms, a great course, and an amazing finish line experience. Both courses will start at Darnell Farms just outside of Bryson City, NC.
Saluda Arts Festival
Outstanding festival with 100% hand-picked regional artists along Saluda's historic Main Street. See a big diversity of art media and enjoy music representing Americana, blues, folk and … read more
Outstanding festival with 100% hand-picked regional artists along Saluda's historic Main Street. See a big diversity of art media and enjoy music representing Americana, blues, folk and contemporary. Watch artist demonstrations. Free. 10 AM-4 PM.
WNC Bigfoot Festival
A quirky festival that celebrates the legendary Sasquatch, held in downtown Marion 36 miles east of Asheville. In addition to Bigfoot-themed items and local crafts, talk with sighters from across… read more
A quirky festival that celebrates the legendary Sasquatch, held in downtown Marion 36 miles east of Asheville. In addition to Bigfoot-themed items and local crafts, talk with sighters from across the country with evidence that it exists. Calling contest too!
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.
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.
Concerts on the Creek, Sylva
Enjoy free outside live music in downtown Sylva every Friday from 7-9 PM starting Memorial Day through Labor Day at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants, and breweries… read more
Enjoy free outside live music in downtown Sylva every Friday from 7-9 PM starting Memorial Day through Labor Day at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants, and breweries. Family-friendly, bring a chair or blanket. 2024 Dates: May 24 & 31; Jun 7, 14, 21, and 28; July 4, 5, 12, 19, and 26; and August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Memorial Day Weekend
Find many events, festivals and our top things to do to kick off summer during the holiday weekend in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Find many events, festivals and our top things to do to kick off summer during the holiday weekend in Asheville and the NC mountains.
GRINDFest AVL
This free 3-day festival celebrates black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Enjoy a weekend of music, live performances, food, local vendors, community connection, and more in the River… read more
This free 3-day festival celebrates black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Enjoy a weekend of music, live performances, food, local vendors, community connection, and more in the River Arts District on Depot St.
Garden Jubilee Festival
One of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina, this garden lover's top event happens over Memorial Day weekend with more than 200 plant and craft vendors lining Main Street in… read more
One of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina, this garden lover's top event happens over Memorial Day weekend with more than 200 plant and craft vendors lining Main Street in Hendersonville. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Art on the Greene
Find a big variety of 40 artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops, and things to do nearby. Benefits their historic… read more
Find a big variety of 40 artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops, and things to do nearby. Benefits their historic school renovation. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
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. Downtown Asheville (80 Court Plaza).… read more
See 100+ regional, local and national artists and craft artisans with fine jewelry, a big variety of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor. Downtown Asheville (80 Court Plaza). Free admission. 10 AM-5 PM.
Memorial Day Concert and Ceremony
Held on the Roger McGuire Green Stage of Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville starting at 2:30 PM with the Army National Guard's Army Band performing a half-hour before and after the ceremony.… read more
Held on the Roger McGuire Green Stage of Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville starting at 2:30 PM with the Army National Guard's Army Band performing a half-hour before and after the ceremony. Free.
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.
See our list of the best festivals and summer events in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains during June-August.
Past Events
WNC Orchid Society's House of Orchids, April 12-14, 2024
The Western NC Orchid Society hosts a big show and competition at the North Carolina Arboretum. Hundreds of orchids will be on display and vendors will be selling them with plenty of advice.
The Western NC Orchid Society hosts a big show and competition at the North Carolina Arboretum. Hundreds of orchids will be on display and vendors will be selling them with plenty of advice.
Tryon Block House Steeplechase
A festive day with picnics, sundresses, elegant hats, tailgating and the sights & sounds of thoroughbreds thundering past in Tryon, at the longest running steeplechase in North Carolina. The… read more
A festive day with picnics, sundresses, elegant hats, tailgating and the sights & sounds of thoroughbreds thundering past in Tryon, at the longest running steeplechase in North Carolina. The National Steeplechase Association sanctions four of the races.
Madison Potters Market
Meet 20+ of the finest potters from Madison County and beyond at Marshall High Studios. This historic high school turned artist studios is on a small island in the French Broad River in downtown… read more
Meet 20+ of the finest potters from Madison County and beyond at Marshall High Studios. This historic high school turned artist studios is on a small island in the French Broad River in downtown Marshall, 25 miles north of Asheville. Enjoy artisan coffee and pastries from a local baker and delicious lunches from one of Asheville's favorite food trucks. 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
Glass, Metal, and Clay Day at Folk Art Center
Artists showcase the elements of metal and glass inside the Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Includes blacksmithing, glass blowing, knife making, bezeling, repoussé, copper etching, stained… read more
Artists showcase the elements of metal and glass inside the Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Includes blacksmithing, glass blowing, knife making, bezeling, repoussé, copper etching, stained glass, forging and more. 10 AM-4 PM. Free.
Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock
Celebrate Easter by watching the sun rise over Hickory Nut Gorge during the annual service atop Chimney Rock. Free admission, but participants must reserve a parking pass. Only one parking pass is… read more
Celebrate Easter by watching the sun rise over Hickory Nut Gorge during the annual service atop Chimney Rock. Free admission, but participants must reserve a parking pass. Only one parking pass is needed per vehicle.
Easter Weekend in Asheville
Easter Weekend brings blooms, bunnies, egg hunts, Sunday brunch, sunrise services, and more in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains.
Easter Weekend brings blooms, bunnies, egg hunts, Sunday brunch, sunrise services, and more in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains.
Easter Hat Parade in Dillsboro
Old hat, new hat, yellow hat, blue hat. They're all welcome at Dillsboro's annual Easter Hat Parade at 2 PM, showcasing a variety of interesting hats atop participants of all ages, including pets… read more
Old hat, new hat, yellow hat, blue hat. They're all welcome at Dillsboro's annual Easter Hat Parade at 2 PM, showcasing a variety of interesting hats atop participants of all ages, including pets.
CODA Music Festival
This music festival held at Montreat College near Black Mountain is entirely student-organized, providing students with hands-on experience in creating a fun, family-friendly event celebrating art… read more
This music festival held at Montreat College near Black Mountain is entirely student-organized, providing students with hands-on experience in creating a fun, family-friendly event celebrating art and culture. 7 PM-9 PM.
Lake Lure Spring Classic Boat and Auto Show
See antique and classic boats along with classic cars and a 1917 Lake Lure Speedwagon at this lakeside show; free admission. Enjoy food, beer, and wine on the beach. The event kicks off with a… read more
See antique and classic boats along with classic cars and a 1917 Lake Lure Speedwagon at this lakeside show; free admission. Enjoy food, beer, and wine on the beach. The event kicks off with a boat parade on Friday at 3 PM.
See our main Events Page for a list of all of our calendars!
