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Summer brings so many great festivals and events to Asheville and the many small towns of Western North Carolina mountains. Here are our favorite festivals! 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
Luminere Immersive Nightscapes at Biltmore
Experience Biltmore after dark with illuminated displays across the house and gardens. Arrive before sunset to enjoy picnic dinners and beverages, then watch as projected light and sound transform… More Information
July - Emerging Artist Exhibit at the Folk Art Center
Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program and the Southern Highland Guild present the Graduating Class of 2026 Exhibit. Emerging artists display work in fiber, wood, clay, and metals… More Information
Taming of the Shrew, Montford Park Players - Asheville
One of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies takes the outdoor stage midsummer at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, and bug spray. Hat passed at intermission; free…
Summer 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!
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…
WNC Nature Center hosts Brews & Bears
This is a unique after-hours mini-festival series that is celebrating its 10th year. Enjoy craft beer, food trucks, live music, and animal programs. Meet resident black bears Uno and Ursa. See…
Groovin on the Green
Groovin’ on The Green are free concerts held rain for shine. They begin at 6:00 pm and last until 8:30 pm. Bring your own law chairs and blankets to The Village Green Common’s Lawn. This is a kid… More Information
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…
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. Held annually the Saturday and Sunday after July 4… More Information
The Big Crafty, Summer Edition
Shop 180+ local artists showcasing ceramics, jewelry, prints, and more. Saturday is $10; Sunday is free! Celebrate Asheville’s vibrant creative spirit here. 12- 6 pm at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Downtown Asheville.
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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…
Cashiers Plein Air Festival
The Cashiers Plein Air Festival returns this July! Watch acclaimed painters capture the plateau’s landscape live, attend special events, and purchase original art to benefit The Village Green. See schedule for hours. Held every other year.
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…
July - 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. Free admission. Purchase an…
Love Shine Play Yoga Festival
Formally the Yoga Festival, this event is in its eighth year and features 40 presenters and 90+ offerings downtown, including yoga, music, outdoor activities, and health & wellness experts.… More Information
Day Out with Thomas™ in Whittier, NC
Families with young children love this event at the Jackson Fairgrounds in Whittier. Climb aboard for a real train ride pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt™, and enjoy…
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,…
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…
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Celebrating its 99th Annual Festival! Watch and listen to some of the finest Appalachian ballad singers, string bands, and square dance teams at the nation’s longest-running folk festival. Three…
Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike, July 31
After sunset at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, this small-group hike searches Grandfather Mountain's forest for salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, and fireflies. Limited to 24 participants, ages… More Information
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Grandfather Mountain
Treat an animal lover to an up-close experience with Grandfather Mountain's resident animals. Hosted by experienced keepers, these tours show where animals sleep overnight and reveal what it takes… More Information
Art on the Greene, August 2026
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… More Information
August - Emerging Artist Exhibit at the Folk Art Center
Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program and the Southern Highland Guild present the Graduating Class of 2026 Exhibit. Emerging artists display work in fiber, wood, clay, and metals… More Information
Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show, August
This Blue Ridge celebration brings together local artisans showcasing pottery, textiles, woodwork, paintings, and fine jewelry alongside live regional music and family-friendly activities. Kids… More Information
AVL Sounds Fest
Experience regional talent across multiple genres at AVL Sounds Fest, the evolution of the successful AVLfest. This new festival spreads music across local stages throughout Asheville over four… More Information
Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair
Two hundred juried crafters transform the streets around Burnsville's historic town square into a showcase of handmade work spanning nearly every craft imaginable. There's also music, dancing, and…
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… More Information
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,… More Information
The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, Montford Park Players - Asheville
Swashbuckling adventure and daring rescues headline this production of Shakespeare's The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, and…
Sourwood Festival, Black Mountain
There's plenty to see and do at this free street festival in Black Mountain to celebrate sourwood honey, Appalachian craft, and community! 150 vendors, live music, a kids zone, food, and beverages. 10 am- 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday. New for 2026: BBQ Competition and fireworks, both in Swannanoa.
NC State Bluegrass Festival
This concert weekend is hosted in Cherokee and features live stage shows, bites from food trucks, unique craft vendors, and the magic of campfire jamming. Single-day and weekend tickets available… More Information
Lake Lure Olympiad
The Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad is offers unfogettable race experiences and brings the community and visiting spectators together to celebrate. The theme for 2026 is Run for Recovery. The races are… More Information
Brews & Bears Fest in Asheville
Only in Asheville will you find this kind of fun summer event. Bears and Brews is an after-hours mini-festival series with craft beer, food trucks, live music, and animal programs. Meet resident…
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
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August - 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. Free admission. Purchase an…
Nature and Forest Therapy at Grandfather Mountain
This is your chance to join certified forest therapy guide Mattie Decker for a 2- to 2.5-hour walk forest at Grandfather Mountain. Decker offers a series of invitation to help you slow down and… More Information
Cashiers Designer Showhouse
Experience the 29th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Tour a stunning mountain retreat, enjoy special events, and support local history preservation. The general admission tickets $50 (advance) and $60 (at the door).
WNC Bigfoot Festival
The annual WNC Bigfoot Festival is held over several blocks of Main Street in downtown Marion, located about 36 miles east of Asheville. In addition to Sasquatch-themed items, discover a… More Information
Art on the Greene, Banner Elk
Art on the Greene transforms Banner Elk's historic school grounds into an outdoor gallery featuring 40-60 regional artists. Browse ceramics, glass, metal, and wood work, watercolor, acrylics, and oil paintings in perfect mountain weather at 3,701 feet! 10 am - 5 pm.
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Red, White & Steam Festival, Bryson City
Celebrate Independence Day with three days of free activities at Bryson City's Railroad Square. Each day features live music, local vendors and artisans, food trucks, and kids' activities.… More Information
Art on the Greene, July Fourth Weekend
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… More Information
Cherokee Powwow
Experience the Southeast's largest Native American celebration in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Be amazed by the Grand Entry procession featuring dancers in stunning handcrafted regalia,… More Information
Fourth of July Celebrations in WNC
You can celebrate Independence Day in Asheville and the mountains of Western North Carolina with fireworks, parades, and festive events. From downtown block parties to lakeside shows and small-…
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.
Hot Springs 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks
Spend Independence Day in downtown Hot Springs exploring shops, eateries, and market vendors, then gather for a fireworks display by the Volunteer Fire Department. Watch from downtown or the Hot… More Information
Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock
Enjoy this top fireworks show in the High Country of Boone, NC! The Wild West theme park will be open for extended hours on July 4 from 10 AM to 9 PM. Fireworks are at 9:30 PM. Fireworks are… More Information
Independence Day Block Party, Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville's free Independence Day block party expands into South Slope this year, with live music, an air dog show, a car show, headliner Empire Strikes Brass, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.
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June - Emerging Artist Exhibit at the Folk Art Center
Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program and the Southern Highland Guild present the Graduating Class of 2026 Exhibit. Emerging artists display work in fiber, wood, clay, and metals… More Information
Asheville Stonewall Fest
This all-ages pride festival celebration features live music, pop-up drag shows, comedy, and more. All free, but you must reserve tickets. Kickoff Friday at a rooftop bar, main event Saturday at… More Information
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
