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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
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! 2025…
NEW at Biltmore- Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures, March 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Start the year off with an extraordinary cultural adventure at Biltmore! From March 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the estate’s exhibition center, Amherst at Deerpark, will host Tutankhamun: His… read more
Start the year off with an extraordinary cultural adventure at Biltmore! From March 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the estate’s exhibition center, Amherst at Deerpark, will host Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures. This captivating exhibition invites you to delve into one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in history—the unearthing of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
…
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!
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.
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, 2025 Dates: May 17, June 14, July 12, August 16, September 6 & October 4.
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. 2025 Dates: May 23 & 30; Jun 6, 13, 20, and 28; July 4, 11, 18, and 25; and August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.
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…
Art on the Greene
Discover 60+ juried artists displaying works in a variety of media, including metal, glass, clay, wood, watercolor, acrylics, and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops, and things… read more
Discover 60+ juried artists displaying works in a variety of media, including metal, glass, clay, wood, watercolor, acrylics, and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops, and things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Celebrate Scottish culture with music, dance, food, games & kilts—all in one epic family weekend!
Celebrate Scottish culture with music, dance, food, games & kilts—all in one epic family weekend!
Coon Dog Day Festival
Saluda (about 35 miles south of Asheville) hosts this fun, quirky street festival to celebrate the Coon Dog. This loyal pet was used for many years for hunting and known for its unique bark and an… read more
Saluda (about 35 miles south of Asheville) hosts this fun, quirky street festival to celebrate the Coon Dog. This loyal pet was used for many years for hunting and known for its unique bark and an amazing sense of smell. The celebration includes a parade, music, dancing, a street fair with art and food, and dog judging. Free admission.
The Big Crafty
Shop 180+ local artists showcasing ceramics, jewelry, prints, and more. Saturday is $10; Sunday is free! Celebrate Asheville’s vibrant creative spirit at WNC’s favorite art event. 12- 6 pm at… read more
Shop 180+ local artists showcasing ceramics, jewelry, prints, and more. Saturday is $10; Sunday is free! Celebrate Asheville’s vibrant creative spirit at WNC’s favorite art event. 12- 6 pm at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Downtown Asheville.
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 100+ 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 100+ juried artists from mountain regions of nine states. Held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville in downtown Asheville. Admission from 10 am - 5 pm. Tickets: $12; children under 12 can enter for free.
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.
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.
Formally the Yoga Festival, this event features 40 presenters and 90+ offerings downtown, including yoga, music, outdoor activities, and health & wellness experts.
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-… 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.
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. Tickets on sale soon. Visit their website for more.
Asheville Comedy Festival
Get ready to laugh! The 2025 Asheville Comedy Festival is one of the longest-running events in the country. Having featured nearly 700 comedians over 16 years, the event continues to grow and… read more
Get ready to laugh! The 2025 Asheville Comedy Festival is one of the longest-running events in the country. Having featured nearly 700 comedians over 16 years, the event continues to grow and innovate. Last year's headliner was comedy superstar Tom Segura. Tickets go on sale late June/early July.
Visit their website to get tickets and see the full schedule.
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.
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.
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.… 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.
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.
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… 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
Wild Goose Festival
A vibrant festival of justice, spirituality, music, and arts in Union Grove, NC. Talk, listen, share meals, and camp with others inspired by radical humanity—celebrating diversity and advancing… read more
A vibrant festival of justice, spirituality, music, and arts in Union Grove, NC. Talk, listen, share meals, and camp with others inspired by radical humanity—celebrating diversity and advancing the common good.
NC Apple Festival
The Street Fair is located in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina on beautiful Main Street.10 AM-10 PM Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM on Monday.
The Street Fair is located in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina on beautiful Main Street.10 AM-10 PM Friday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM on Monday.
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.
FAB Fest, Fall 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. 2025 Dates: June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, and October…
Past Events
Freedom Fest
Experience an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration and street festival in Bryson City with a 5K, crafts, food, contests, live music, and the best fireworks show in the Smokies.
Experience an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration and street festival in Bryson City with a 5K, crafts, food, contests, live music, and the best fireworks show in the Smokies.
The Gaelic Games: Highland Field Day at Highland Brewing
Get ready for a playful twist on tradition! Highland Brewing presents the first-ever Gaelic Games: Highland Field Day on Saturday, June 28, a spirited celebration of their iconic Gaelic Ale. This… read more
Get ready for a playful twist on tradition! Highland Brewing presents the first-ever Gaelic Games: Highland Field Day on Saturday, June 28, a spirited celebration of their iconic Gaelic Ale. This 21+ event brings brewery-style fun to classic Highland Games with team challenges like tug-o’-war, dizzy bat relays, sack races, and more—plus a $1,000 prize package up for grabs!
Not…
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley… read more
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake. 10 AM-5 PM.
VeganFest
Asheville is one of the top USA cities for vegan living. Outdoor festival features vegan food, beer, lifestyle vendors and educational speakers in Pack Square Park 11 AM-6 PM. Free admission.
Asheville is one of the top USA cities for vegan living. Outdoor festival features vegan food, beer, lifestyle vendors and educational speakers in Pack Square Park 11 AM-6 PM. Free admission.
DuPont Forest Festival
Celebrate DuPont State Recreational Forest with many special events on National Public Lands Day, such as guided tours, educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and more. Free admission.
Celebrate DuPont State Recreational Forest with many special events on National Public Lands Day, such as guided tours, educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and more. Free admission.
Family-Friendly Dungeons & Dragons Night
Young adventurers 14 and under are invited to a Family-Friendly Dungeons & Dragons Night on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Embark on custom homebrew campaigns guided by… read more
Young adventurers 14 and under are invited to a Family-Friendly Dungeons & Dragons Night on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Embark on custom homebrew campaigns guided by expert Dungeon Masters. For $15, attendees receive character materials, dice, miniatures, soft drink with refills, and day-long game pass. No prior experience necessary.
Livermush Festival
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on… read more
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on the best livermush dish at the Food Truck Rodeo!
Cherry Bounce Festival
Go to Forest City to celebrate a famous moonshiner with music, crafts, food trucks and cherry-inspired dishes and drinks. Kicks off Friday evening with a free outdoor concert.
Go to Forest City to celebrate a famous moonshiner with music, crafts, food trucks and cherry-inspired dishes and drinks. Kicks off Friday evening with a free outdoor concert.
Women's Golf Day Tournament at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Sign up for the Women's Golf Day Tournament at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa and enjoy special offers from May 27 - June 3, including free gifts and a golf giveaway basket! This global… read more
Sign up for the Women's Golf Day Tournament at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa and enjoy special offers from May 27 - June 3, including free gifts and a golf giveaway basket! This global movement celebrates women in golf, welcoming all ages and skill levels. Participants will enter a raffle for a complimentary overnight stay and golf for two at Omni Grove Park Inn, drawn at lunch.
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… 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.
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
