Jul 27, 2023 – Jul 30, 2023
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… read more
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn B&B
July 27, 2023
Jul 27, 2023 – Jul 30, 2023
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… read more
Mountain Dance & Folk Festival
Aug 03, 2023 – Aug 05, 2023
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
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn B&B
July 27, 2023
Jul 27, 2023 – Jul 30, 2023
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… read more
Mountain Dance & Folk Festival
Aug 03, 2023 – Aug 05, 2023
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
AVL Fest
Aug 03, 2023 – Aug 06, 2023
New for 2023! This multi-day music festival will showcase 100+ performances across a variety of venues throughout Asheville for an epic summer weekend!
NC Mineral and Gem Festival
Aug 03, 2023 – Aug 06, 2023
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
Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
Aug 04, 2023 – Aug 05, 2023
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.
Camp Wesser – NOC Adult Summer Camp
Aug 05, 2023
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… read more
Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 09, 2023 – Aug 12, 2023
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.
Waldensian Festival
Aug 11, 2023 – Aug 12, 2023
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
Wood Day at Folk Art Center
Aug 12, 2023
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
Aug 12, 2023
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… read more
Sourwood Festival
Aug 12, 2023 – Aug 13, 2023
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… read more
Cold Mountain Music Festival
Aug 12, 2023
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/… read more
NC State Bluegrass Festival
Aug 17, 2023 – Aug 18, 2023 – Aug 19, 2023
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… read more
Hot Nights, Cool Rides Auto Show
Aug 19, 2023
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… read more
Upcoming Fall Events & Festivals: September & October
Goombay Festival
Sep 01, 2023 – Sep 03, 2023
This free festival in downtown Asheville is a celebration of African-Caribbean culture with music, craft market, food vendors, dance performances and competitions, a special area with activities… read more
NC Apple Festival
Sep 01, 2023 – Sep 04, 2023
Spread out with a self-guided tour of orchards in the area with apples, food, vendors, shopping, and more at each location! This event will not have the downtown street fair, music, kiddie… read more
Drum Circle
Sep 01, 2023
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Dance the night away!
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Sep 01, 2023 – Sep 03, 2023
Held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, enjoy 20+ artists on three stages, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Alison Brown, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and… read more
Labor Day Weekend Events & Things to Do
Sep 01, 2023 – Sep 04, 2023
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 Arts & Crafts Show
Sep 02, 2023 – Sep 03, 2023
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from the Southeast on Labor Day Weekend with a big variety of art, outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in Maggie Valley. 9 AM-4 PM each day. Free… read more
Art on the Greene
Sep 02, 2023 – Sep 03, 2023
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… read more
Canton Labor Day Festival
Sep 03, 2023
Big celebration in Canton since 1906. Sunday features music festival, art, and food, 12-9:30 PM at Sorrells Park, and free gospel concert at Colonial Theatre. Monday features a big Labor Day… read more
Chow Chow Food Festival
Sep 07, 2023 – Sep 10, 2023
Savor Asheville’s creative culinary scene with many events, chef demos, and hands-on experiences. Meet and connect with the makers and collaborators who nourish, nurture and create in our… read more
Chow Chow Food Festival
Sep 07, 2023 – Sep 10, 2023
Savor Asheville’s creative culinary scene with many events, chef demos, and hands-on experiences. Meet and connect with the makers and collaborators who nourish, nurture and create in our… read more
Autumn at Oz at Beech Mtn
Sep 08, 2023 – Sep 24, 2023
There’s no place like the Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz. Stroll along the yellow brick road, experience a recreation of Dorothy’s journey from her home in Kansas and meet many of the characters so… read more
Mountain State Fair
Sep 08, 2023 – Sep 17, 2023
Enjoy lots of rides, exhibits, animals, food, and much more. Fun for all ages! We especially love the impressive exhibits in various buildings. See the many competitions from quilting, photography… read more
Morganton Festival
Sep 08, 2023 – Sep 09, 2023
A big street festival in downtown Morganton that includes fine arts and crafts, festival cuisine, a beer garden, teen and kid zones, four stages of entertainment, a sunrise run on Saturday and… read more
FAB Fest
Sep 08, 2023 – Oct 27, 2023
FAB Fridays run from April-October featuring the best in local Food, Arts, Brews (FAB) on Central St in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer, and shop… read more
Mountain Song Festival, Brevard
Sep 08, 2023
This 2-day, family-friendly music festival in Brevard showcases the best in acoustic music including bluegrass, newgrass, old-time, folk, jazz, and traditional mountain music. The festival… read more
Village Art & Craft Fair
Sep 09, 2023 – Sep 10, 2023
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… read more
Dirty Dancing Festival
Sep 16, 2023
Fans of the cult-classic Dirty Dancing will relive memories of Baby’s first dance in the film’s original, breathtaking backdrop of Lake Lure.
Art in Autumn Fest
Sep 16, 2023
Fun outdoor arts and crafts festival in Weaverville that includes 100 juried artists, food and live music. Free admission and parking. Just 7 miles north of downtown Asheville.
Heritage Weekend at Folk Art Center
Sep 16, 2023
This free festival features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight is the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday.
Greek Festival
Sep 22, 2023 – Sep 23, 2023
At this festival, hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Asheville, you can drive through and sample and buy some of the traditional foods and pastries such as lamb shank, pastichio,… read more
NOC’s Guest Appreciation Weekend
Sep 22, 2023 – Sep 24, 2023
This longtime favorite weekend at Nantahala Outdoor Center main campus near Bryson City features free attractions, live music and entertainment – along with great end-of-season deals.
Art on Main, Hendersonville
Sep 23, 2023 – Sep 24, 2023
Buy from juried fine artists with paintings, clay, metal, wood, fiber, jewelry, glass, and more. The main event is Sat & Sun, 10 AM-5 PM
Autumn in the Mountains Car Show
Sep 23, 2023
Go to the British Car Club of Western NC annual show to see 120+ British and European classic cars, race cars, racing motorcycles, rare-exotic sports cars and antique motorcycles. Held at Mills… read more
Farm Tour
Sep 23, 2023 – Sep 24, 2023
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… read more
Uncommon Market
Sep 24, 2023 – Oct 29, 2023
Asheville’s largest curated, pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond is in the River Arts District. Rain or shine. 10 AM-4 PM. (1 Foundy Street)
Flock to Rock Birding Day
Sep 30, 2023
Led by birding experts, events at Chimney Rock Park includes bird walks, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds, hawk watches and family nature walks.
Art on the Island Fest in Marshall
Sep 30, 2023
A free fall fair of artisans, crafters, and music on Blannahassett Island near downtown Marshall. 10 AM-5PM
Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Sep 30, 2023
The biggest LGBTQ pride festival in western North Carolina is held in downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park, with more than 100 vendors, entertainment, as well as a kids area with lots of fun… read more
Mountain Heritage Day
Sep 30, 2023
Held on the campus of Western Carolina University, this long-running outdoor celebration features the sights, sounds, crafts, and flavors of yesteryear. Get a taste of southern Appalachian culture… read more
DuPont Forest Festival
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Cherokee Indian Fair
Oct 03, 2023 – Oct 07, 2023
Experience a country fair with plenty of local Cherokee traditions, including Indian games, food, competitions, music, and dance. Meet the locals and discover more about their culture. Big parade… read more
The Haunted Trail, Adventure Center of Asheville
Oct 06, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023
Celebrating the Halloween season, this family-friendly haunted trail is ideal for ages 3-12 and features live actors, spooky sounds, and props for a no-touch, no-contact heart-pumping experience.…read more
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
Oct 06, 2023 – Oct 08, 2023
Held on the Village Green in the middle of Cashiers at peak color time, see the works of 100+ artists while enjoying live music and great food. The free festival is open 10 AM-5 PM on Friday,… read more
Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
Oct 07, 2023
Great BBQ with live bluegrass, antique tractor show, jamming stage, championship clogging teams, artists & crafts vendors, and local food vendors. At the Riverside Park across the river from… read more
Asheville Art in the Park
Oct 07, 2023 – Oct 14, 2023 – Oct 21, 2023
From pottery to jewelry, sculpture to two-dimensional art, this art festival brings together a wide array of traditional and contemporary mountain art downtown in Pack Square Park. 10 AM-5 PM
Mars Hill Heritage & Music Festival
Oct 07, 2023
Two long-running festivals celebrate mountain craft, music and dance: the Heritage Festival and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival. Both held downtown, adjoining Mars Hill University. Free.… read more
Hilltop Fall Festival
Oct 07, 2023
Much fun in downtown Rutherfordton: Friday night Soapbox Derby for big kids, Saturday morning Overmountain 5K and Tour de Pumpkin 50K & 100K bike rides and festival 9-5 with crafts, music,… read more
ColorFest
Oct 07, 2023
The artsy village of Dillsboro welcomes 40 demonstrating artists along Front Street with their colorful creations. Browse many nearby galleries too. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest
Oct 08, 2023
This festival at Oak and Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain and includes hands-on fun, tastings, chef competition, milking demonstrations, panel discussions, workshops, and products from… read more
VeganFest
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Church Street Art & Craft Show
Oct 14, 2023
Main Street in Waynesville transforms into an arts & crafts marketplace, one of the finest juried art shows in NC. Also enjoy live mountain music, clogging, entertainment and food. Browse many… read more
Harvest Festival, Stecoah Valley
Oct 14, 2023 – Oct 15, 2023
Experience quintessential traditional mountain life with Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest at Stecoah Valley, near Fontana Lake and… read more
Spruce Pine Potters Market
Oct 14, 2023 – Oct 15, 2023
Longtime gathering with 30+ potters and clay artists selling their handmade pottery, figurative sculpture, stoneware, earthenware and more. Free admission. 10 AM-5 PM both days. 31 Cross Street,…read more
Mountain Glory Festival
Oct 14, 2023
Celebrate fall beauty in the mountains with three blocks of festivities along Main Street in Marion, including 140 arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, a 5K… read more
LEAF Festival
Oct 19, 2023 – Oct 22, 2023
A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multicultural musical and dance odyssey – longtime favorite festival held in Black Mountain on a lake with camping and limited tickets… read more
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Oct 19, 2023 – Oct 22, 2023
Meet 200 craftspeople that come together in downtown Asheville with their fine handcrafted items, while local musicians play live on the arena stage and craft educators share their knowledge.…read more
Apple Butter Festival, Bakersville
Oct 20, 2023 – Oct 22, 2023
Enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of autumn on the Creekwalk with music, crafts, and homemade apple butter making during peak fall color. Free admission. 92 Crimson Laurel Way. 10 AM-4 PM
Lake Lure Autumn Arts Festival
Oct 21, 2023 – Oct 22, 2023
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy live music and entertainment, many food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4. Free admission… read more
Woolly Worm Festival
Oct 21, 2023 – Oct 22, 2023
Celebrate the coming of the snow season with woolly worm races, live entertainment and lots of food and craft vendors in downtown Banner Elk during peak fall color. Highly popular!
Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Oct 21, 2023 – Oct 22, 2023
Meet 100 artisans and crafters from throughout the Southeast with a big variety of art. Outdoors at the Festival Grounds (3374 Soco Road) in the valley. 9 AM-4 PM each day. Free admission and… read more
Apple Harvest Festival
Oct 21, 2023
Find all things apple in downtown Waynesville, including cider, fried pies and other apple delicacies. Also find live mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths along scenic Main Street for the… read more
North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival
Oct 28, 2023
This one-day shopping and demonstration show features 40 ceramic artists with a diverse array of tilework, sculpture, jewelry and pottery. Watch raku demonstrations and enjoy live music. Food… read more
Beaverdam Studio Tour
Oct 28, 2023 – Oct 29, 2023
Take a self-guided tour of 30 artists’ studios in North Asheville’s scenic Beaverdam Valley. Buy art from ceramists, painters, sculptors, jewelers, and glass and textile artists. 10 AM-5 PM
