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.
April & May Events in Asheville & Western NC
Titanic Movie Costumes at Biltmore
Friday, February 9, 2018 to Friday, May 18, 2018
See the fabulous costume exhibition inside Biltmore House, “Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie” with 53 costumes and stories about the Vanderbilt travels and connection to the Titanic.
Biltmore Blooms
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 to Friday, May 25, 2018
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Mother Earth News Fair
Saturday, April 28, 2018 to Sunday, April 29, 2018
Huge, sustainable living event with more than 200 hands-on workshops and demonstrations at the WNC Ag Center.
Greening Up the Mountains Festival
Saturday, April 28, 2018
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.
Fire On the Mountain
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Come to downtown Spruce Pine to see and buy works from regionally- and nationally-renowned blacksmiths demonstrating their skills from 10 AM to 4 PM. This event celebrates the mountain tradition of blacksmithing, with Master Blacksmiths sharing their expertise and talent. Free to attend.
Weaverville Art Safari
Saturday, April 28, 2018 to Sunday, April 29, 2018
Drive scenic country roads to visit 35 artists in their studios and galleries about 10 minutes north of Asheville. Buy direct from them - find some great deals. Free.
Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Take a guided bird walk, attend a live raptor program and see a bird survey demonstration at the Cradle of Forestry. The forests and fields here are alive with song as migratory birds arrive at their summer habitats.
Pioneer Day & Mountain Thunder Car Show
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Two events in Old Fort: See traditional Appalachian crafts, food, games and storytelling (10-5) at the Mountain Gateway Museum. Then stroll by a big variety of classic cars and trucks on Commerce Street (9-2). Free admission.
Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest
Sunday, April 29, 2018
This festival at Highland Brewing Company includes hands-on fun, chef competition, milking demonstrations, panel discussions, workshops, vendors and 19 cheesemakers from across the south. Advance tickets $14 for ages 12+. Tickets at the door $20. 12-4 PM.
Flea for Y'all
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Asheville Outlets hosts a curated flea market with great vintage finds, one-of-a kind handmade items, exceptional art, food and music. In the tree-lined lot next to Field & Stream. Browser's paradise. 8 AM-3 PM. Admission $2/adult.
French Broad River Festival
Friday, May 4, 2018 to Sunday, May 6, 2018
This grassroots festival in Hot Springs on the banks of the French Broad features some of the best music in the area, camping and outdoor events in celebration of this beautiful river.
Spring Herb Festival at Western NC Farmer's Market
Friday, May 4, 2018 to Sunday, May 6, 2018
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.
Pisgah Forest Pride Day
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Join the fun and help with work projects in Pisgah National Forest in the Looking Glass area - including trail maintenance, repairs, plantings and more (sign up in advance), coordinated by The Pisgah Conservancy. 9 AM-2 PM.
Space Day at PARI
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Explore this former NASA campus hidden in Pisgah National Forest that is now a research and educational center for space and science. Tours, star gazing, minerals, meteorites, hands-on exhibits and more for all ages. Free. 9 AM-4 PM.
Saturday Night Lights
Repeats every week every Saturday until Sat May 26 2018.
Saturday, May 5, 2018Watch horse jumping and riding with the best jockeys in the country at the impressive, new Tryon International Equestrian Center with an exciting atmosphere featuring music, food, kids' activities and Venetian carousel rides. Events vary each week. Free admission.
Mayfest
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Downtown Rutherfordton's Main Street is filled with crafts, vendors, food, live music, demonstrations, and plenty of kids activities - including a Pinewood Derby Race. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Huckleberrys Crafted Spirits Day
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Sample spirits from 19 NC distillers along North Trade Street in downtown Tryon. Also includes arts, crafts, a dozen food trucks and live music. 12-5 PM. Free admission.
LEAF Festival
Thursday, May 10, 2018 to Sunday, May 13, 2018
A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multicultural musical and dance odyssey - longtime favorite festival held in Black Mountain on a lake with camping and limited tickets.
Dahlia Tuber Sale & World Bonsai Day
Saturday, May 12, 2018
See a big variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum-rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties available for sale. Learn from Dahlia Society experts about how to produce plants with show-quality blooms. See their full bonsai collection with morning guided tours.
Fiber Weekend
Saturday, May 12, 2018 to Sunday, May 13, 2018
Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demonstrations include quilting and appliqué, doll making, weaving, mixed media fiber arts, clothing, printing design, tapestry weaving and natural dyeing. Two fashion shows on Sunday! Free admission.
SpringGo!
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Lots of fun in Chimney Rock Village with a pancake breakfast, Cow Pie Bingo, recycled garden art contest, llamas strutting their stuff in a Main Street parade, a grilled dinner and a special outdoor performance by the Rutherford County Orchestra at the Gathering Place.
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Watch horse jumping and riding with the best jockeys in the country at the impressive, new Tryon International Equestrian Center with an exciting atmosphere featuring music, food, kids' activities and Venetian carousel rides. Events vary each week. Free admission.
GRO Fest
Saturday, May 12, 2018
This outdoor music festival celebrates and supports the farmers of Polk County with music by Asheville's Town Mountain, Aaron Burdett Band and others, plus food, beer and wine. At Harmon Dairy Farm with mountain views, near Columbus. 4-10 PM. $30/person
Turkey Tail Wine Festival
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Sample wines from 8 wineries on the grounds of the grand Inn at Glen Alpine near Morganton. Live music, festival food, and arts and crafts. Bring your own blanket or chair! No pets. 12-5 PM. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the gate (cash only).
Second Saturdays, River Arts District
Repeats every month on May on the second Saturday 2 times.
Saturday, May 12, 2018Home to over 200 artists, the River Arts District (near downtown Asheville & Biltmore) is extra festive on each second Saturday in 2018. Find show openings, hands-on classes, demos, music and more in 23 repurposed industrial buildings along the French Broad River.
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 night tours also.
Downtown After Five
Friday, May 18, 2018
Enjoy great music, food and beer in downtown Asheville at this free popular outdoor concert. 5-9 PM
Montford Arts and Music Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2018
One of the largest one day free music and arts festivals in Asheville, held on Montford and Soco near downtown, with over 100 vendors of art, crafts and food. Two stages of entertainment. 10 AM-7 PM.
Saluda Arts Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2018
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.
Hook, Line and Drinker Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Celebrating the WNC Fly Fishing Trail and local breweries, with craft beer vendors, food trucks, fishing guides and vendors, and live music 12:30-4:30 PM at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva (76 Railroad Avenue). Free admission.
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Watch horse jumping and riding with the best jockeys in the country at the impressive, new Tryon International Equestrian Center with an exciting atmosphere featuring music, food, kids' activities and Venetian carousel rides. Events vary each week. Free admission.
Barn Day
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Take a guided tour of historic barns in Madison County, presented by the Appalachian Barn Alliance. The motorcoach tour begins at 1:30 PM with last stop at 4 PM with food and cloggers. Concludes at 7 PM. Advance purchase of tickets required, on sale May 1st for $45/person (limited seats).
Mountain Sports Festival
Friday, May 25, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
Whether you’re a hardcore athlete or a newbie trying an event for the first time, the annual Mountain Sports Festival in Asheville offers something for you. Memorial Day Weekend.
Concerts on the Creek, Sylva
Friday, May 25, 2018
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with free outside live music in downtown Sylva, with Freeway Revival (rock/Americana) 7-9 PM at the Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants and breweries. Family-friendly, bring a chair or blanket.
Memorial Day Weekend
Friday, May 25, 2018 to Monday, May 28, 2018
Find many events, festivals and our top things to do to kick off summer during the holiday weekend in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Kenilworth Artists Open Studio Tour
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
Kenilworth neighborhood, just five minutes from downtown Asheville, annual Open Studio Tour features 20+ jewelers, painters, glass-workers, fabric artists, potters, woodworkers, photographers and more!
Lake Lure Arts Festival
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Monday, May 28, 2018
Featuring handmade creations from more than 60 artisans from across the region, including painting, photography, jewelry, leather, metal, soaps and more on Memorial Day Weekend. Admission is free. Across from the beach, 2771 Memorial Highway.
White Squirrel Festival
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
Go nuts at the White Squirrel Festival in downtown Brevard that features a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts and much on Memorial Day Weekend.
Garden Jubilee Festival
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
This Downtown Hendersonville Festival is the ideal event for passionate gardeners searching for the perfect plants, unique lawn and garden accessories, and arts and crafts. Memorial Day Weekend.
Rose Show
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
Exhibition at the North Carolina Arboretum by Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society with award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care and history of roses.
Rotary Arts & Crafts Fair, Cashiers
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
See works from 90 of the finest 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.
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Watch horse jumping and riding with the best jockeys in the country at the impressive, new Tryon International Equestrian Center with an exciting atmosphere featuring music, food, kids' activities and Venetian carousel rides. Events vary each week. Free admission.
Art on the Greene
Saturday, May 26, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
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.
Memorial Day Concert and Ceremony
Monday, May 28, 2018
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
Friday, June 1, 2018 to Friday, August 31, 2018
See our list of the best festivals and summer events in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains during June-August.
Past Events
Earth Day at Chimney Rock
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Join Chimney Rock State Park Rangers, biologists and other environmental educators to learn about the great work being done to protect our beautiful landscape. Booths will be located in Chimney Rock Village behind the Old Rock Café, 431 Main St. 11 AM-3 PM. Free.
Carolina Donut Festival
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Western NC's sweetest festival includes thousands of delicious donuts, food trucks, donut-eating contest, pageant, crafts, 5K, half-marathon and a variety of vendors on Main Street in Marion, 10 AM-3 PM.
Cider Wine & Dine Weekend
Friday, April 20, 2018 to Sunday, April 22, 2018
Visit Hendersonville area cideries and wineries for many special events (most free) including special hard cider & wine tastings, cooking demos, food truck festival, dinners, orchard hikes, music, tours and more.
Connect: Beyond the Page Festival
Friday, April 20, 2018 to Sunday, April 22, 2018
3-day conference in Asheville bridges creative disciplines, bringing together musicians, writers, filmmakers, media personalities and activists. Includes an eclectic lineup of panels, speakers and performances: Bob Boilen, host of NPR’s All Songs Considered; playwright Lydia Diamond; cellist Ben Sollee; and many more.
World Equestrian Games Test Events
Thursday, April 19, 2018 to Sunday, April 22, 2018
Attend these "practice" rounds at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for free and get a sneak peek at the Dressage, Para-Dressage and Driving competitions later this year. Free admission.
Madison Potters Market
Saturday, April 14, 2018
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. 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
NOC Outdoor Elements Festival
Saturday, April 14, 2018
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. 9 AM-8 PM
Block House Steeplechase
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Usher in spring 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.
Second Saturdays, River Arts District
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Home to over 200 artists, the River Arts District (near downtown Asheville & Biltmore) is extra festive on each second Saturday in 2018. Find show openings, hands-on classes, demos, music and more in 23 repurposed industrial buildings along the French Broad River.
Old-Time Plowing and Folkways
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Take a time-warp at the Cradle of Forestry to the days of the Biltmore Forest School. Meet homesteaders and watch their draft horses plow the heritage garden. Then take a turn at it yourself. Living history guides bring traditional Blue Ridge culture to life. 9 AM-5 PM. $6/person, children under 16 are free.
Sylva BrewHop
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Celebrate NC Beer Month with a progressive tasting at five stops in Sylva's cool downtown, including two local breweries Balsam Falls and Innovation. Tickets $25/person include souvenir glass and two 4 oz pours at each stop. 3-7 PM. Check in 2-2:45 at 462 West Main. Buy tickets online.
Drum Circle
Friday, April 6, 2018
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown Asheville in Pritchard Park. And dance the night away!
World Equestrian Games Test Events
Thursday, April 5, 2018 to Sunday, April 8, 2018
Attend these "practice" rounds at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for free and get a sneak peek at the Eventing and Vaulting competitions coming at the FEI World Equestion Games in September. Free admission.
Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Celebrate Easter by watching the sun rise over Hickory Nut Gorge during the annual service atop Chimney Rock. Free admission.
Easter Weekend in Asheville
Friday, March 30, 2018 to Sunday, April 1, 2018
Easter Weekend brings blooms, bunnies, egg hunts, Sunday brunch, sunrise services and more in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains.
Biltmore Blooms
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 to Friday, May 25, 2018
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Titanic Movie Costumes at Biltmore
Friday, February 9, 2018 to Friday, May 18, 2018
See the fabulous costume exhibition inside Biltmore House, “Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie” with 53 costumes and stories about the Vanderbilt travels and connection to the Titanic.
See our main Events Page for a list of all of our calendars!
Check this out!
Looking for things to do with moms and grandmothers in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains on Mother's Day Weekend (May 12-13, 2018)? Here are plenty of ideas and events to make great memories... read more
Start the summer season in Asheville during Memorial Day Weekend with many things to do and a big variety of events and festivals.Kick off the weekend on Friday night with:Concerts on the Creek,... read more
Fireflies definitely bring out the kid in us. And you'll find some rare species in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, but they only come out for a short visit! Fireflies (also called lightning... read more
