Events

Asheville Events

With plenty to do and see in Asheville, plan your vacation around these local Asheville events and book your stay in one of our cabins to complete your getaway!

Note: Some events may be canceled or postponed. Please refer to the event website for updated information.

New Year’s Polar Plunge at Lake Lure

Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, Oldest and Youngest Plunger, and Plunger Who Traveled the Farthest. There will also be hot chocolate, music, and a bonfire to warm up with after you’ve taken the plunge. FREE to attend, Plunge fee is $20.00. All proceeds will go to support local charities. Registration begins at 9 am. The Beach on Lake Lure. Learn more here.

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival

The Fringe Festival brings unique ( and sometimes rather quirky) performance art to the Asheville area, with everything from dance, acting, art installations, and more. The purpose of the festival is to have local artists bring their craft to the “edge” of creativity. Several area art studios will host this festival, so plan accordingly to see everything. For more information, check out the Asheville Fringe website.

Asheville Restaurant Week

Child eating a snowcone

Enjoy Asheville’s wonderfully varied cuisine during Asheville Restaurant Week. What is Asheville Restaurant Week? “Asheville Restaurant Week is your opportunity to try as many great Asheville restaurants as your schedule allows for four incredibly low fixed prices. Ever wondered about that restaurant you thought might be out of your price range? Asheville Restaurant Week is your chance to give it a try with the security of knowing exactly what you will be spending.” – exploreasheville.com.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Asheville Marathon and Half at Biltmore Estate

Run for your life at the Biltmore Estate during this popular race. Choose either a full marathon, half marathon, or two half marathons (one on Saturday and one on Sunday). View event page here.

Totally 80s Retro Ski Weekend

Ready for a totally tubular day in the snow? Put on your Day Glo ski gear and head to Beech Mountain Feb for the Totally 80s Retro Ski Weekend. There will be 80s themed activities, contests, and music, including a Madonna look-a-like contest and an 80s tribute band. There is even an appearance from a DeLorean and the Ghostbusters Ectomobile. For more information, visit the Beech Mountain website.

Asheville Mardi Gras Parade

Mardi Gras parade

Head downtown for Asheville’s Mardi Gras Parade! This family-friendly parade can be participated in, or just enjoyed from the sidelines. Feathers, sparkles, fun, and frivolity are present and welcomed, so dress up if you can. The parade will start at 3 pm and marches down Wall St., Battery Park Ave, Haywood St., and Page Ave. Look for dancers, roller skaters, and entertainers to make an appearance, so bundle up and head out! Learn more here.

Biltmore Blooms

Flowers

Visit the Biltmore Estate in the spring to witness a spectacular display of 75000+ tulips in a rainbow of colors. By mid to late April, these tulips will be met with brilliant azaleas in a 20-acre garden, highlighting the beauty of the grand estate. For more information, visit the Biltmore Estate website.

Friday Night Drum Circle

Person beating a drum

A true Ashevillian event since 2001. Come join the fun as the crowd gathers at Pritchard Park each Friday evening through the warm months from around 6 to 10 pm. Join in to play drums, cowbells, or any percussion instrument, to dance, or simply watch. Free. Learn more here.

Easter Hat Parade in Dillsboro

Little girl wearing an easter hat at a school hat parade poses for a portrait

Hats of all shapes, colors, and sizes will shine through the streets of Dillsboro. The hats will be judged based on varying categories, such as tiniest and best-smelling. Don’t worry if you don’t have one- you can make a hat there! The Easter Bunny will arrive in an antique car. Learn more here!

Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest

Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest 2016 flyer

Join Highland Brewing to celebrate wedges, curds, shreds, and grates of everyone’s favorite snack. This festival brings producers and creamery owners from all over the Southeast together to share their passion for cheese. There will be milking demonstrations and plenty of vendors to satiate any cheese-lovers cravings. For more information, visit the festival website.

Asheville Bread Festival

Artisan bread bakers from the Southeast will be selling their bread and sharing their expertise. There will be hands-on workshops and demonstrations and samples! At New Belgium Brewery. Visit event site here for more info.

LEAF

LEAF Downtown Festival in Asheville

The Lake Eden Arts Festival combines a diverse blend of music and dancing, poetry slams, folk art and craft exhibitions, outdoor adventure, and the LEAFlet Kid’s Village. LEAF offers new and exciting cultural connections. The Spring LEAF festival in Black Mountain is for the whole family. Get tickets early. Visit the LEAF website.

Downtown After 5

Asheville downtown after five

Come on downtown for the best festival around. This concert event series kicks off in May and goes through September. Food and beverages are available for purchase onsite. FREE. Learn more here.

Asheville Art in the Park

Asheville's art in the park

10 – 5 pm on Saturdays, located at Pack Square Park in downtown. This art fair brings talented local artisans to the city center to share their work with Asheville. Expect woodworkers, blacksmiths, glass blowers, and jewelry makers just to name a few. Learn more here.

Fourth of July Celebration Downtown Asheville

Celebrate America in downtown Asheville with live music, food trucks, and fireworks after dark. Free to the public, bring a chair and settle down at Roger McGuire Green for the best view. Learn more here.

Shindig on the Green

This starts the Saturday tradition of the Shindig on the Green at Roger McGuire Green in Downtown Asheville. Talented cloggers and musicians file into downtown to exhibit their talents. Learn more here.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

The Scottish heritage is celebrated at this festival. With live music, food, and athletic competitions that challenge participants. Ours is considered the best Scottish games in the US, so check it out!

Big Crafty

More than 150 local vendors show off their skills and products at this expansive fair, located downtown at Packs Square Park. 12-7:30 PM. Learn more here.

Craft Fair at the Southern Highlands

Individual doing woodworking

The Southern Highland Craft Guild has a roster of talented artisans that create truly spectacular works. This Fair is your chance to ogle (and of course purchase) a one-of-a-kind piece of Appalachia. At the US Cellular Center. Learn more here.

Folkmoot International Festival

If you want an experience like any other you’ll find in North Carolina, visit this week for the Folkmoot International Festival. Dancers, musicians, and artists from around the world visit Asheville to perform. Culturally enlightening and educational, this is a perfect family-friendly event. Learn more!

Love Shine Play Yoga Festival

Whether you are a devoted practitioner or just interested in learning more, this festival will enlighten you on all things Yoga. There will be over 30 presenters to educate all present on different styles, techniques, and tips. Vendors will be set up at Pack Square Park. Learn more.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

This event goes all the way back to 1928! This is a showcase of mountain dance, music, and storytelling that highlights the splendid history and culture of Appalachian bluegrass. This ticketed event acts as a fundraiser for the Shindig on the Green. Learn more here.

LEAF Festival Downtown

Individuals standing and sitting down

This is a downtown festival that celebrates international music. The organizers put on the hugely popular festivals in Black Mountain every year, and have a handle on what makes a great music festival. A fantastic perk of visiting this downtown festival: there is no admission. That way, you can spend your cash on one of Asheville’s award-winning food trucks. Learn more here.

Asheville Comedy Festival

Theater in Asheville

This is a comedy event, spanning four days and featuring some of the biggest and brightest stars in the comedy world. Each day is a ticketed event, and you can purchase separately or as a combo. Formerly the “Laugh Your Asheville Off” fest.

Oskar Blues Burning Can Festival

Takes place only 8 miles from the Brevard Brewery Oskar Blues, this beer fest is an experience unlike any other in Western North Carolina. With physical feats of endurance such as bike races, paddling on the French Broad, and running, it’s competitive fun. There is live music, food trucks, and camping so that you can make a proper weekend of it. Nestled near Dupont, this ranch is perfect for a beer fest. Try beer from 50+ breweries. Check out more info here.

NC Apple Festival

Basket of apples

Every Year, Labor Day Weekend: An apple a day, pshhh… make a long weekend out of apples! This festival is one we look forward to all year and symbolizes the beginning of Fall. Vendors line up the main street of Hendersonville, selling fried apple pie, apple ice cream, apple cider, apple-you-name-it! This is a free event, but incredibly popular, so we recommend going early-ish: 10 AM- 10 PM every day. The King Apple Parade will happen on Labor Day. Learn more.

Mountain State Fair

Ferris wheel at a fall festival

The fair comes to town in September every year, and every year there is something new to see. This is a ticketed event of course but check out their website for the daily specials they may have.

Goombay Festival

People during a drumcircle

Celebrate the cultures of the African-Caribbean, and have a blast in the process. The Goombay Festival highlights musicians, food, and dances of nations from all over the Caribbean. This is not only educational, but a super fun way to celebrate that region’s cultural legacies. While the festival doesn’t have a website, this travel site has lots of good info.

Chow-Chow Asheville Culinary Festival

People walking outside

A new festival for Asheville! Details are sparse at this time, but we are told to expect food tastings, chef demonstrations, and copious samples. We are in! Learn more.

Dirty Dancing Festival

This yearly event is always a blast, especially if you are an uber-fan of the 80s classic. This festival is located on Lake Lure, where several scenes from the movie were filmed. There are food vendors, movie trivia, contests (seriously, a watermelon holding contest), and camaraderie. So if you are Swayze-crazy or just a fan of festivals, you’ll enjoy this one. Learn more here.

North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival

Individual making pottery

11 – 5 pm at Pack’s Square Park downtown. Experience a show of outstanding local talent, with ceramics of all textures and materials on display. Click here for more information about the North Carolina Ceramics Festival.

Greek Festival

The Greek Festival is the smallest of our festivals listed here, but is a great time (we recommend trying the traditional desserts and Greek coffee). The festival has stalls like an “agora” market so that you can purchase hand-crafted goods. With authentic cuisine, music, and dancing, this is a party you don’t want to miss.

Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest

Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest 2016 flyer

Join Highland Brewing to celebrate wedges, curds, shreds, and grates of everyone’s favorite snack. This festival brings producers and creamery owners from all over the Southeast together to share their passion for cheese. There will be milking demonstrations and plenty of vendors to satiate any cheese-lovers cravings. For more information, visit the festival website.

Asheville Octoberfest

Downtown Asheville, this is a ticketed event that takes place 1-6 PM. German food and plenty of beer available. Learn more here.

Brewgrass Beer Festival

Draft beer

This festival is a local favorite! Lovingly-crafted brews and bluegrass talents…this is a distinctly Western North Carolina event! Sample beers from more than 40 local breweries and boogie down to some talented musicians. Takes place at the Salvage Station, just 15 minutes from Willow Winds. 3 pm – 12 am, this is a ticketed event. Purchase tickets for Brewgrass festival here.

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair

Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demonstrations include quilting and appliqué, doll making, weaving, mixed media fiber arts, clothing design, printing and surface design, tapestry weaving, and natural dyeing. Two fashion shows on Sunday! Free Admission. Learn more here.

LEAF Festival

This weekend music festival in Black Mountain, NC celebrates international music and community, with an emphasis on the impact of the Arts on our lives and culture. Great music and you can set up a tent to relax all weekend! Ticketed for the weekend or per day, and these tickets go fast!

Christmas at Biltmore/Candlelight Evenings at the Biltmore Estate

Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina

The already stunning Biltmore Estate transforms into a holiday wonderland every November, and it is truly a sight to behold. This massive house is decked out with hundreds of trees, decorations that are unique to each year, and the special evening tour reservations that bring folks from all over the US. We sell regular daytime tickets in the office that are good for two consecutive days.

Polar Express Train Ride at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Train

This event is sure to bring out the Christmas spirit in riders young and old. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson, NC holds this special journey based on the hit film every holiday season. Click here for more info.

Christmas Wonderland Lights in Tryon

Trees lighted up and glowing

This is a curated drive-through display that synchronizes the twinkling lights to a holiday station tuned into your car radio. Takes place at the beautiful Equestrian Center, and it is $35 a carload for a 30 minute show. More info here.

Gingerbread House Display at the Omni Grove Park Inn

Santa figurine

Open to the public every day except Friday and Saturday, Sunday after 3 pm only. See the award-winning creations of the most talented sculptors of gingerbread and sugar. No admission fee, but a $25 parking pass required. More info here.

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Christmas lights in Asheville

The NC Arboretum holds this stunning light display, to create a festive beauty in an already naturally beautiful area. Tickets must be purchased in advance on Arboretum’s website. Click here for event website.

Christmas Wonderland Lights in Tryon

Trees lighted up and glowing

This is a curated drive-through display that synchronizes the twinkling lights to a holiday station tuned into your car radio. Takes place at the beautiful Equestrian Center, and it is $35 a carload for a 30 minute show. More info here.

Gingerbread House Display at the Omni Grove Park Inn

Santa figurine

Open to the public every day except Friday and Saturday, Sunday after 3 pm only. See the award-winning creations of the most talented sculptors of gingerbread and sugar. No admission fee, but a $25 parking pass required. More info here.

Christmas at Biltmore/Candlelight Evenings at the Biltmore Estate

Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina

The already stunning Biltmore Estate transforms into a holiday wonderland every November, and it is truly a sight to behold. This massive house is decked out with hundreds of trees, decorations that are unique to each year, and the special evening tour reservations that bring folks from all over the US. We sell regular daytime tickets in the office that are good for two consecutive days.

Polar Express Train Ride at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Train

This event is sure to bring out the Christmas spirit in riders young and old. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson, NC holds this special journey based on the hit film every holiday season. Click here for more info.

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Christmas lights in Asheville

The NC Arboretum holds this stunning light display, to create a festive beauty in an already naturally beautiful area. Tickets must be purchased in advance on Arboretum’s website. Click here for event website.

Dickens in the Village Festival

Welcome sign to Historic Biltmore Village

With roaming carolers and roasting chestnuts, this is the perfect way to step back in time to the era of a Dickensian Christmas. Catch the horse-drawn carriage for a fully immersive experience! This festival always takes place in Biltmore Village on the first weekend in December. Free to attend. More info here.

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