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
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
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
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
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
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…
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
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…
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
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 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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Lake Lure Olympiad
The Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad is offers unforgettable race experiences and brings the community and visiting spectators together to celebrate. The theme for 2026 is Run for Recovery. The races… More Information
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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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
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…
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
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.
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
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…
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
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
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
