Summer brings so many great festivals and events to Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains, including our many small towns. Here are our favorites! Also, see special features for Memorial Day Weekend and July 4th Week. For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
June, July & August Events & Festivals, Asheville & NC Mountains
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!
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.
FAB Fest, Summer 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…
Summer 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
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.
ArborEvenings at The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Listen to live music from a variety of local and regional artists while you stroll (and sip!) through the Arboretum's gardens. ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays, June 27 through… read more
Listen to live music from a variety of local and regional artists while you stroll (and sip!) through the Arboretum's gardens. ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays, June 27 through September 26, 2024 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond the Arboretum's standard parking fee. Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for free (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry).
Shindig on the Green
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather on these Saturday nights to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions—with each other and… read more
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather on these Saturday nights to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions—with each other and visitors from around the world—at the Shindig on the Green in downtown Asheville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the "green." We are a proud sponsor of Shindig on the Green! 2024…
Love Shine Play Yoga Festival
Formally the Yoga Festival, this event features 40 presenters and 90+ offerings downtown, including yoga, music, outdoor activities, and health & wellness experts (fees). Mountain Air Market … read more
Formally the Yoga Festival, this event features 40 presenters and 90+ offerings downtown, including yoga, music, outdoor activities, and health & wellness experts (fees). Mountain Air Market at Pack Square Park on Friday-Sunday is free with slackline park, music, art, body care, and organic food.
Hillbilly Jam
Head to Maggie Valley to celebrate mountain country living with music, crafts, big car show, moonshine and TV celebrities.
Head to Maggie Valley to celebrate mountain country living with music, crafts, big car show, moonshine and TV celebrities.
Mountain Dance & Folk Festival
A favorite showcase since 1928, mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, balladeers, and others come together for a showcase of authentic bluegrass music and dancing in… read more
A favorite showcase since 1928, mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, balladeers, and others come together for a showcase of authentic bluegrass music and dancing in Asheville.
NC Mineral and Gem Festival
Go to Spruce Pine to shop, swap, and discover beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, fossils, and more. Located at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center, 97 Pinebridge Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.… read more
Go to Spruce Pine to shop, swap, and discover beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, fossils, and more. Located at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center, 97 Pinebridge Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. Mine tours also.
AVL Fest
This multi-day music festival spotlights Asheville’s diverse music and arts scene. An exceptional lineup of local, regional, and national talent will fill area 20+ concert halls, clubs, and… read more
This multi-day music festival spotlights Asheville’s diverse music and arts scene. An exceptional lineup of local, regional, and national talent will fill area 20+ concert halls, clubs, and outdoor venues.
Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
The streets around Burnsville’s town square are filled with 200 juried crafters displaying nearly every kind of handmade craft imaginable. Located 35 miles northeast of Asheville.
The streets around Burnsville’s town square are filled with 200 juried crafters displaying nearly every kind of handmade craft imaginable. Located 35 miles northeast of Asheville.
Art on the Greene, Banner Elk
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… read more
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. The shows occur Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend, an early August weekend and Labor Day weekend. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Asheville Comedy Festival
Get ready to laugh! The 2024 Asheville Comedy Festival features an exciting lineup of events, headlined by comedy superstar Tom Segura at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena on August 7th.
Tom… read more
Get ready to laugh! The 2024 Asheville Comedy Festival features an exciting lineup of events, headlined by comedy superstar Tom Segura at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena on August 7th.
Tom Segura, renowned for his razor-sharp wit and observational humor, will kick off the festival with a performance that comedy fans won't want to miss. Following his opening, the festival will continue…
Lake Lure Olympiad
One of the biggest sports festivals in NC, the event in the spectacular Hickory Nut Gorge is anchored by three major races: 10K Dam Run, Triathlon and Race up Chimney Rock. Events for kids,… read more
One of the biggest sports festivals in NC, the event in the spectacular Hickory Nut Gorge is anchored by three major races: 10K Dam Run, Triathlon and Race up Chimney Rock. Events for kids, beginner athletes, and spectators, too.
Waldensian Festival
The charming town of Valdese celebrates the "Glorious Return" of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native Italy in 1689. Find 170+ vendors' crafts, great food, and top-quality… read more
The charming town of Valdese celebrates the "Glorious Return" of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native Italy in 1689. Find 170+ vendors' crafts, great food, and top-quality entertainment. Main Street. 9 AM-6 PM. Near Morganton.
Wood Day at Folk Art Center
Join Guild woodworkers for an exciting day exploring various forms of woodcraft. Featuring the Annual Carve Off Competition. 10 AM –4 PM.
Join Guild woodworkers for an exciting day exploring various forms of woodcraft. Featuring the Annual Carve Off Competition. 10 AM –4 PM.
Sourwood Festival
There's always plenty to see and do at this free street festival in quaint downtown Black Mountain to celebrate sourwood honey! 200 vendors, crafts, live music, kids' activities and food. Saturday… read more
There's always plenty to see and do at this free street festival in quaint downtown Black Mountain to celebrate sourwood honey! 200 vendors, crafts, live music, kids' activities and food. Saturday 9 AM-7 PM and Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.
NC State Bluegrass Festival
This big outdoor concert weekend in Marion is on the grounds of Tom Johnson's Camping Center, complete with camping options, a pavilion, and dozens of performers. Single-day and weekend tickets… read more
This big outdoor concert weekend in Marion is on the grounds of Tom Johnson's Camping Center, complete with camping options, a pavilion, and dozens of performers. Single-day and weekend tickets available can be purchased in advance until May 6. Returning are some of your favorite bluegrass performers, including Rhonda Vincent, The Malpass Brothers, and more!
Come to Leicester Studio Tour
Take a free, self-guided tour to 23 studios and shops in Leicester, a community nestled in the mountains near Asheville. 10 AM-5 PM
Take a free, self-guided tour to 23 studios and shops in Leicester, a community nestled in the mountains near Asheville. 10 AM-5 PM
Labor Day Weekend Events & Things to Do
See our special list of top events, festivals and things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains.
See our special list of top events, festivals and things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains.
Maggie Valley Summer Arts and Crafts Show
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast with a wide variety of art outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley from 9 AM-4 PM daily. Free admission and parking.… read more
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast with a wide variety of art outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley from 9 AM-4 PM daily. Free admission and parking.
Fall Events & Festivals
Find our favorite autumn events and festivals during September and October in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Find our favorite autumn events and festivals during September and October in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Past Events
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Top art show! See and buy traditional and contemporary fine art and craft directly from Southern Highland Craft Guild members, with 200+ juried artists from mountain regions of nine states. Held… read more
Top art show! See and buy traditional and contemporary fine art and craft directly from Southern Highland Craft Guild members, with 200+ juried artists from mountain regions of nine states. Held inside in downtown Asheville. Admission from 10 AM-5 PM.
Front Street Arts & Crafts Show
Stroll downtown artsy Dillsboro and interact with more than 40 of the region's best artisans. Browse the many shops and galleries while experiencing some of the area's best restaurants.… read more
Stroll downtown artsy Dillsboro and interact with more than 40 of the region's best artisans. Browse the many shops and galleries while experiencing some of the area's best restaurants. Entertainment and festival food round out a great family day that celebrates mountain art and culture. Free admission. Pets welcomed. 10 AM-4 PM.
International Day
This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and great food. 10 AM-5 PM… read more
This street festival in downtown Waynesville is the ultimate cultural exchange with international and regional artwork, international dance and music from Folkmoot USA, and great food. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Folkmoot International Festival
The world comes to our mountains for NC's Official International Festival with visiting dancers and musicians from many countries, big street festival, performances, parade and more in Waynesville… read more
The world comes to our mountains for NC's Official International Festival with visiting dancers and musicians from many countries, big street festival, performances, parade and more in Waynesville, Asheville and nearby towns.
Wild Goose Festival
A festival of justice, spirituality, music, and the arts in Union Grove, NC. Talk, listen, eat and camp together, captivated and challenged by the call of radical humanity and who seek to… read more
A festival of justice, spirituality, music, and the arts in Union Grove, NC. Talk, listen, eat and camp together, captivated and challenged by the call of radical humanity and who seek to celebrate diversity and promote the common good.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
One of the biggest Scottish Games in the United States, with plenty of live music (bagpipes to rock), athletic competitions, dancing, food, heritage vendors, and more.
One of the biggest Scottish Games in the United States, with plenty of live music (bagpipes to rock), athletic competitions, dancing, food, heritage vendors, and more.
Black Mountain Blues Festival
July 12-14, 2024
If you're a music lover, plan now for a trip to Black Mountain for the inaugural, three-day Black Mountain Blues Festival. Soak up “A Mountain of Blues in the Little Town… read more
July 12-14, 2024
If you're a music lover, plan now for a trip to Black Mountain for the inaugural, three-day Black Mountain Blues Festival. Soak up “A Mountain of Blues in the Little Town That Rocks” with stages set throughout Downtown Black Mountain.
Headlining Artists include Sugaray Rayford, Corey Harris, Bob Margolin, Mac Arnold & Plate Full of Blues, Pat “Mother Blues…
Maggie Valley Summer Arts and Crafts Show
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast with a wide variety of art outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley from 9 AM-4 PM daily. Free admission and parking.… read more
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast with a wide variety of art outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley from 9 AM-4 PM daily. Free admission and parking.
The Big Crafty
Local's favorite art & craft show with 150 hand-selected local artists. Local food & beer too. Inside the Harrah's Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville (87 Haywood St).
Local's favorite art & craft show with 150 hand-selected local artists. Local food & beer too. Inside the Harrah's Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville (87 Haywood St).
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. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
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. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
