Spring Events & Festivals: Top 40

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

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.

This Downtown Hendersonville Festival is the ideal event for passionate gardeners searching for the perfect plants and unique lawn & garden accessories and arts & crafts, on Memorial Day Weekend.

Sample brews from 30+ local breweries downtown in Pack Square Park on Memorial Day Weekend, with live music and local food. Hosted by Asheville Brewers Alliance, it's the kickoff to Beer Week. Buy tickets in advance (often sells out).

Celebrating the Vaudeville Revival here in Asheville. See renowned circus and burlesque artists from around the world. They promise fashion, contortion, trapeze, and tease!

Tour studios of 160+ artists with an eclectic mix, from traditional to cutting-edge. See special gallery exhibits and demonstrations. Near downtown Asheville and Biltmore.

Outstanding festival with 100% handpicked 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.

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.

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, and a grilled dinner and a special outdoor performance by the Rutherford County Orchestra at the Gathering Place.

A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multicultural musical and dance odyssey.

Drive scenic country roads to visit 35 artists in their studios and galleries about 10 minutes north of Asheville. Mother's Day Weekend! Free.

Bring your family together and treat mom to beautiful scenery with spring wildflowers at Chimney Rock Park. Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and mom or grandma receives one free with coupon. Download coupon on the Chimney Rock Web site.

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.

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.

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.

This festival at Highland Brewing Company will include hands-on activities, a grilled cheese cook off, milking demonstrations, panel discussions, workshops, vendors and 19 cheese makers from across the south. Advance tickets (at www.mountaincheesefest.com) are $12 for ages 13+. Tickets at the door $15. 12-4 PM.

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. Free.

Celebrate the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs, where it goes through town on Main Street. Spaghetti Dinner kick-off on Friday evening, Saturday fun with bicycles, skateboarding, hula-hooping, river rafting, soccer, yoga, and more! Pancakes and float trip on Sunday.

Nantahala Outdoor Center's (NOC) special event to celebrate the nation's most beloved footpath, the 2,179-mile Appalachian Trail. Both weekend day hikers and long distance warriors are welcome. Nantahala Hilly Half Marathon & 5K is a fun trail run.

Take a time warp at the Cradle of Forestry to the days of the Biltmore Forest School. Meet homesteaders David and Diane and their Percheron draft horses. Observe the horses plow the heritage garden and even take a turn at it yourself. Visit with living history volunteers as they bring traditional Blue Ridge culture to life. $5/person, children under 16 free