Summer 2021 Update: Because event organizers are waiting to see how COVID numbers and the rollout of vaccinations affect state mandates through Spring, many events may be postponed or confirmed later than usual. We are working hard to update our event pages, but encourage you to check back for the latest info. Stay safe!
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
Stickwork, Biltmore
Thursday, April 1, 2021 to Thursday, September 30, 2021
See this unique-to-Biltmore large-scale outdoor sculptural work by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” in the estate’s Antler Hill Village. Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. Free with daytime admission!
Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts
Saturday, May 29, 2021 to Sunday, May 30, 2021
See 100+ regional, local and national artists and craft artisans with fine jewelry, a big variety of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor. Downtown Asheville (80 Court Plaza). Free admission. 10 AM-5 PM.
Tryon Block House Steeplechase
Saturday, June 5, 2021
A festive day with picnics, sundresses, elegant hats, tailgating and the sights & sounds of thoroughbreds thundering past in Tryon, at the longest running steeplechase in North Carolina. The National Steeplechase Association sanctions four of the races.
Air Fair & Fly In
Saturday, June 5, 2021 to Sunday, June 6, 2021
Go to the Western North Carolina Air Museum in Hendersonville for their big annual open house, airplane rides, children’s Ornithopter rides and antique cars and motorcycles. 10 AM-5 PM each day. Free parking and admission.
Carolina Bonsai Expo at NC Arboretum
Saturday, June 12, 2021 to Sunday, June 13, 2021
As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public. It features a juried display of bonsai, a renowned bonsai marketplace, workshops, free demonstrations and more. Free event admission, parking fee.
Bluff Mountain Festival
Saturday, June 12, 2021
This free, family-friendly festival in Hot Springs (at the spa) features great old-time and bluegrass music, ballads, clogging, square dancing, as well as a silent auction and raffle of regional artwork, local crafts, vacation packages and more. 10 AM to 5 PM. Offers an array of delicious foods, too.
Asheville Art in the Park
Repeats every week 3 times.
Saturday, June 12, 2021See and buy fine arts and crafts from dozens of local artists at Pack Square Park in downtown. 10 AM-5 PM.
Cherry Bounce Festival
Friday, June 18, 2021 to Saturday, June 19, 2021
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 big, free outdoor concert.
Asheville Art in the Park
Saturday, June 19, 2021
See and buy fine arts and crafts from dozens of local artists at Pack Square Park in downtown. 10 AM-5 PM.
Rhododendron Festival
Saturday, June 19, 2021 to Sunday, June 20, 2021
Two Rhododendron Festivals (North Carolina and Tennessee versions) are held in the Roan Mountain area! The one in Bakersville NC is Friday & Saturday. In TN, it's Saturday & Sunday.
Ashejam Music Festival
Friday, June 25, 2021 to Sunday, June 27, 2021
This 3-day music and art festival features Americana, bluegrass, funk, hip hop, jam, roots blues, rock’n roll, and more at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher, NC. Find plenty of art, crafts, food trucks, and more!
Asheville Art in the Park
Saturday, June 26, 2021
See and buy fine arts and crafts from dozens of local artists at Pack Square Park in downtown. 10 AM-5 PM.
July 4th Week Festivals, Parades, Fireworks
Thursday, July 1, 2021 to Monday, July 5, 2021
Much is happening throughout the Week of July 4th with many parades and fireworks on Independence Day - in Asheville and many small towns in western North Carolina mountains.
Art on the Greene
Saturday, July 3, 2021 to Sunday, July 4, 2021
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.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Thursday, July 8, 2021 to Monday, July 12, 2021
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.
Brevard Music Center Summer Festival
Friday, July 9, 2021 to Sunday, August 8, 2021
One of the country's premier summer music festivals with 100+ performances by 500 students from around the world - joined by faculty and visiting artists for symphony, opera, pops, chamber, cabaret, Americana, and jazz. Artist Director is Keith Lockhart (Boston Pops).
Maggie Valley Summer Arts and Crafts Show
Saturday, July 10, 2021 to Sunday, July 11, 2021
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast with a big variety of art, outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley. 9 AM-4 PM each day. Free admission and parking.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Thursday, July 15, 2021 to Tuesday, July 20, 2021
(VIRTUAL EVENT) Top art show! See and buy traditional and contemporary fine art and craft directly from members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with 200+ juried artists from mountain regions of nine states. Held inside in downtown Asheville.
Front Street Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, July 17, 2021
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.
Folkmoot International Festival
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to Sunday, July 25, 2021
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.
Hillbilly Jam
Thursday, July 22, 2021 to Saturday, July 24, 2021
Head to Maggie Valley to celebrate mountain country living with music, crafts, big car show, moonshine and TV celebrities.
Love Shine Play Yoga Festival
Thursday, July 22, 2021 to Sunday, July 25, 2021
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.
Parade of Nations
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Folkmoot, an international music and dance festival, has its Parade of Nations down Main Street in Waynesville at 10 AM with elaborate costumes. Free to attend.
International Day
Saturday, July 24, 2021
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.
NC Mineral and Gem Festival
Thursday, July 29, 2021 to Sunday, August 1, 2021
Go to Spruce Pine to shop, swap, and discover beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, fossils, and more - indoors at 31 Cross Street. Mine tours also. Grassy Creek Gem Show outdoors at Parkway Fire Department (136 Majestic View) with 60 vendors.
Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
Friday, August 6, 2021 to Saturday, August 7, 2021
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.
Village Art & Craft Fair
Saturday, August 7, 2021 to Sunday, August 8, 2021
Fantastic fair in Biltmore Village with 100 hand-selected artists from 16 states, representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more.
Art on the Greene, Banner Elk
Saturday, August 7, 2021 to Sunday, August 8, 2021
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. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
NC State Bluegrass Festival
Thursday, August 12, 2021 to Saturday, August 14, 2021
This big outdoor concert weekend in Marion is on the grounds of Tom Johnson's Camping Center - complete with camping options, pavilion and dozens of performers. Single day and weekend tickets.
Sourwood Festival
Friday, August 13, 2021 to Saturday, August 14, 2021
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-8 PM and Sunday 9 AM-5 PM.
Waldensian Festival
Friday, August 13, 2021 to Saturday, August 14, 2021
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. Friday night concert also. Near Morganton.
Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend
Saturday, August 21, 2021 to Sunday, August 22, 2021
Held on the spacious farm grounds of the historic Shelton House and Museum of NC Handicrafts in Waynesville, enjoy a craft fair, Appalachian dancing, tours, music, barn exhibits, food trucks, farmers market, and theatre. * The 2020 event will be completely outdoors with plenty of room to spread out and hand sanitizing stations throughout. Please wear a mask and enjoy the show!
LEAF Downtown Asheville
Friday, August 27, 2021 to Saturday, August 28, 2021
International music festival at Pack Square Park downtown with three stages of music, food trucks and 90 local and artisan vendors on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday until 10 PM. Free.
Fall Events & Festivals
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 to Sunday, October 31, 2021
Find our favorite autumn events and festivals during September and October in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Labor Day Weekend Events & Things to Do
Friday, September 3, 2021 to Monday, September 6, 2021
See our special list of top events, festivals and things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Asheville and the surrounding towns and mountains.
Cold Mountain Music Festival
Saturday, June 4, 2022 to Sunday, June 5, 2022
(Returning in 2022) 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.
Past Events
Stickwork, Biltmore
Thursday, April 1, 2021 to Thursday, September 30, 2021
See this unique-to-Biltmore large-scale outdoor sculptural work by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, known as “Stick Man,” in the estate’s Antler Hill Village. Dougherty weaves saplings and branches into intricate artworks, fashioning whimsical forms ranging from gigantic snares and cocoons to sculptural interpretations of notable buildings. Free with daytime admission!
Shindig on the Green
Repeats every week every Saturday 3 times.
Saturday, August 29, 2020Musicians 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."
Shindig on the Green
Saturday, August 22, 2020
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."
Downtown After Five
Friday, August 21, 2020
Enjoy live music, food and beer at this big outdoor concert in downtown Asheville. Free admission, 5-9 PM.
Hot Nights, Cool Rides Auto Show
Friday, August 21, 2020 to Saturday, August 22, 2020
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. Free admission. Cruise-in Friday night starting at 6 PM. Show is Saturday 9 AM-8 PM.
Shindig on the Green
Saturday, August 15, 2020
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."
Come to Leicester Studio Tour
Saturday, August 15, 2020 to Sunday, August 16, 2020
Take a free, self-guided tour to 23 studios and shops in Leicester, a community nestled in the mountains near Asheville. 10 AM-6 PM
Lake Lure Olympiad
Friday, August 7, 2020 to Sunday, August 9, 2020
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.
Oskar Blues's Burning CAN Beer Festival
Friday, August 7, 2020 to Saturday, August 8, 2020
The weekend-long lawn jam on their scenic REEB Ranch by DuPont State Forest includes a beer fest with 50+ craft-canning breweries, internationally touring bands, camping, food trucks, and plenty of mountain sports.
Mountain Dance & Folk Festival
Thursday, August 6, 2020 to Saturday, August 8, 2020
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.
Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival
Thursday, August 6, 2020 to Saturday, August 8, 2020
Get ready to laugh at the largest stand-up comedy event in the southeast returns with 40 comics performing at multiple venues in Asheville. Single event tickets & combo passes.
Shindig on the Green
Repeats every week 4 times.
Saturday, August 1, 2020Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share the region's Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions in downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the "green."
Wood Day at Folk Art Center
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Join Guild woodworkers for an exciting day exploring various forms of woodcraft. Featuring the Annual Carve Off Competition. 10 AM –4 PM.
Shindig on the Green
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share the region's Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions in downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the "green."
Shindig on the Green
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share the region's Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions in downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the "green."
Downtown After Five
Friday, July 17, 2020
Enjoy live music, food and beer in downtown Asheville, starting at 5 PM. Free admission.
The Big Crafty
Sunday, July 12, 2020
See 150+ local indie artists, crafters, makers with food, drink and music in Pack Square Park downtown, 12-6 PM.
Shindig on the Green
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather to share the region's Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions in downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the "green."
Coon Dog Day Festival
Saturday, July 11, 2020
A street festival for dogs and their people with great food, live music, a very fun parade, crafts, street dance, dog competitions, and more in Saluda. Live entertainment until 11 PM. Free admission.
Riverfest
Friday, July 10, 2020 to Friday, July 31, 2020
While the 2020 event is canceled, you can still participate in the Anything That Floats Parade July 10-31.
(2020 EVENT CANCELED)A festive day at New Belgium Brewery on the French Broad River near downtown Asheville with live music, food trucks, craft beers, and more - benefits RiverLink. Our favorite is the Anything that Floats Parade competition. Free admission.
(2020 EVENT CANCELED)A festive day at New Belgium Brewery on the French Broad River near downtown Asheville with live music, food trucks, craft beers, and more - benefits RiverLink. Our favorite is the Anything that Floats Parade competition. Free admission.
Freedom Fest
Saturday, July 4, 2020
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.
Pow Wow at Cherokee
Friday, July 3, 2020 to Sunday, July 5, 2020
Experience authentic Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher. Enjoy crafts, food and fireworks, too.
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Friday, June 26, 2020 to Saturday, June 27, 2020
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.
Pots On the Green
Friday, June 26, 2020 to Saturday, June 27, 2020
See works from 15 invitational potters in Cashiers; includes a big pottery sale, demonstrations, and more on the Village Green, gazebo, and park. 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission.
Farm Tour
Saturday, June 20, 2020 to Sunday, June 21, 2020
Visit 20 farms in the Asheville area that are not normally open to the public and see what happens behind the scenes. Presented by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), farms are located in many counties. 12-5 PM. Passes $30/car in advance, $40/car day of.
Hola Asheville
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Experience the sights, sounds, music, pageantry, colorful costumes, food, art, and extraordinary talent of Latin America. Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville. 12-8 PM. Free admission.
Downtown After Five
Friday, June 19, 2020
Enjoy live music, food, and beer in downtown Asheville, starting at 5 PM on Lexington Avenue. Free admission.
Clay Day
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Potters and ceramic artists of the Southern Highlands Guild at the Folk Art Center share a variety of techniques such as throwing, sculpture and coil-building. Glaze and see the firing of raku pots. 10 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
Cherokee Voices Festival
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Experience the 11,000-year old Cherokee culture through dance, music, storytelling, blowgun contest, arts and crafts. Held at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, 10 AM-5 PM. Traditional food available for purchase. Free admission.
National Get Outdoors Day
Saturday, June 13, 2020
The Cradle of Forestry celebrates with free admission and plenty of outdoor activities in Pisgah National Forest near Sliding Rock, including hikes, demos, historic buildings, and kid's educational fun. 10 AM-4 PM.
Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo
Saturday, June 13, 2020
*2020 festival is CANCELED* Join alien and UFO enthusiasts the out-of-this-world street festival in downtown Spruce Pine to celebrate aliens and UFOs. Hear national speakers discuss stories of encounters and sightings. Buy out of this world souvenirs. Dress up for the costume contest.
Liver Mush Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Line up for your free Hunter's liver mush sandwich while enjoying live music, hog calling, eating contest, and more in downtown Marion, 5-9 PM.
Mermaid Parade & Festival, Marshall
Saturday, June 6, 2020
The legend is that for one day each year, sea creatures and mermaids leave their ocean home and travel the French Broad River to Downtown Marshall. Arts, crafts and music 11 AM-11 PM, seafood cook-off and parade at 6 PM with costumes and lots of water balloons and guns.
Toe River Studio Tour
Friday, June 5, 2020 to Sunday, June 7, 2020
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.
Drum Circle
Friday, June 5, 2020
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown in Pritchard Park. And dance the night away!
Concerts on the Creek, Sylva
Friday, June 5, 2020
Unwind on Fridays with this free outside live music summer series in downtown Sylva. Shows are 7-9 PM at the Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants and breweries (so come early!). Family-friendly with a big variety of music. Bring a chair or blanket.
Organicfest
Sunday, August 25, 2019
In Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, 10 AM-6 PM, with live music, organic local food and beer, cooking demos, samplings, natural arts and crafts. Free.
Upper French Broad Riverfest
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Celebrate the headwaters with outdoor fun for all ages, 10 AM-3:30 PM including canoe relay, outdoor gear flea market, hands-on activities, free tubing, music, food trucks and more. Champion River Park and Rosman Town Hall (6 Main Street, Rosman)
Sierra Nevada Beer Camp
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Epic adult day camp at Sierra Nevada Brewery includes obstacle course, keg bowling, hammerschlogan, silent disco, costume contest and more. Pair those with their iconic and special collaboration beers, along with great food. 12-6 PM. $25/person includes entertainment, games and shuttle.
NC Gold Festival
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Strike it rich at the Official NC Gold Fest in Old Fort with exhibits, mining demonstrations, gold panning, arts and crafts, music and food. Free admission.
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
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