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
Toe River Studio Tour
Nov 10, 2023 - Nov 12, 2023Drive scenic mountain roads to find 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium at their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure in the Penland, Spruce Pine and Burnsville area… read more
Drive scenic mountain roads to find 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium at their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure in the Penland, Spruce Pine and Burnsville area.
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Nov 24, 2023 - Nov 25, 2023Take 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 and Robbinsville. 10 AM-5 PM.
Past Events
Labor Day Weekend Events & Things to Do
Sep 01, 2023 - Sep 04, 2023See 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.
Hot Nights, Cool Rides Auto Show
Aug 19, 2023One of the largest car shows in the South lines Main Street in Forest City, with a big variety of 400 vehicles including hot rods, motorcycles, model T's and classic Mustangs. Food and live music… read more
One of the largest car shows in the South lines Main Street in Forest City, with a big variety of 400 vehicles including hot rods, motorcycles, model T's and classic Mustangs. Food and live music. Registration is $30 per car. Free cruise-in and concert Friday night starting at 6 PM. Show is Saturday 9 AM-8 PM.
NC State Bluegrass Festival
Aug 17, 2023 - Aug 18, 2023 - Aug 19, 2023This 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 July 17. Returning are some of your favorite bluegrass performers including Rhonda Vincent, The Malpass Brothers, and more!
Shindig on the Green
Aug 12, 2023Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions outdoors in downtown Asheville. Bring a lawn… read more
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions outdoors in downtown Asheville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the "green."
Wood Day at Folk Art Center
Aug 12, 2023Join 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
Aug 12, 2023 - Aug 13, 2023There'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.
Cold Mountain Music Festival
Aug 12, 2023Outdoor festival with plenty of live music, food trucks, beer & wine, and more at Lake Logan in Pisgah National Forest south of Waynesville, about 30 miles from Asheville. Day passes from $45/… read more
Outdoor festival with plenty of live music, food trucks, beer & wine, and more at Lake Logan in Pisgah National Forest south of Waynesville, about 30 miles from Asheville. Day passes from $45/person. Camping and accommodations available - reserve early.
Waldensian Festival
Aug 11, 2023 - Aug 12, 2023The 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.
Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 09, 2023 - Aug 12, 2023Get ready to laugh at the largest stand-up comedy event in the southeast returns with 40 comics performing at multiple venues in Asheville. Grab single event tickets and combo passes.
Get ready to laugh at the largest stand-up comedy event in the southeast returns with 40 comics performing at multiple venues in Asheville. Grab single event tickets and combo passes.
Camp Wesser - NOC Adult Summer Camp
Aug 05, 2023Unleash your inner adventurer at Camp Wesser, the ultimate one-day adult summer camp at the Nantahala Outdoor Center! Enjoy a 9 AM Whitewater Rafting Trip, lunch at Big Wesser, and an afternoon of… read more
Unleash your inner adventurer at Camp Wesser, the ultimate one-day adult summer camp at the Nantahala Outdoor Center! Enjoy a 9 AM Whitewater Rafting Trip, lunch at Big Wesser, and an afternoon of a Fontana Lake paddle or a day at their Zip Line Adventure Park! After, meet at New Belgium for a fun and competitive game of Beer Olympics. Price: $150/person
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
