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Celebrate Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
Memorial Day weekend is May 23-25 in 2026
Celebrate the start of summer in Asheville during Memorial Day Weekend with fun festivals and events.
Kick off the weekend (and possibly your shoes) on Friday night at downtown Asheville's Drum Circle, pictured above. The popular Friday night tradition includes drummers and dancers in Pritchard Park from 6-10 PM. Read more about the Drum Circle.
Get Outdoors (or Indoors)!
Hit the trails, zip line, raft, tube, and find waterfalls nearby. And that's just for starters. See our Top 70 Outdoors Things to Do and our picks for the best Indoor Things to Do, depending on your mood (and the forecast).
Biltmore Estate
See our Insider's Guide to Biltmore for tips to make the most of your visit and get the latest ticket offers. While the house is definitely worth all the hype, don't forget to explore the estate grounds for family-friendly outdoor adventures at Biltmore, like biking, rafting, Segways, fishing, and more.
Places to Stay
Book your room early to get your top choice. The legendary Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has a Memorial Day special. See our accommodation guides for top picks for a great getaway: Bed & Breakfasts | Hotels | Cabins | Camping | Packages & Specials
Memorial Day Weekend Top 15 Things to Do
Veteran's History Museum of the Carolinas
A fascinating tour of US history through the eyes of Carolina veterans. The museum covers “modern” wars from World War I through Afghanistan, including the Cold War. Learn intriguing stories of…
Lake Glenville
This pristine reservoir near Cashiers has the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi. Signal Ridge Marina rents a variety of Bennington pontoons and tritoons, as well as…
Best 75 Mountain Hikes
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and…
Sliding Rock
The most popular natural waterslide in North Carolina for generations is in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Slide down a 60-ft. smooth rock waterfall into a pool of chilly water.…
River Tubing
Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge - with rentals and…
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries,…
Top Restaurants In & Near Asheville
From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs…
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can…
Fontana Lake & Dam
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center…
6 Mountain Beaches near Asheville
Hit the beach on pristine, cool mountain lakes in the NC mountains near Asheville, complete with sandy shores, lifeguards and plenty of summer fun in the water.
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.
Top 8 Zip Line Canopy Tours
Fly above the trees and experience the mountains' natural beauty from a bird's perspective. See our favorite zip line canopy courses to enjoy in the Asheville area of the North Carolina Blue…
Blue Ridge Parkway Top 50
Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge to see breathtaking vistas. You can reach elevations of 5,000+ ft. Our mile-by-mile guide of the…
Top Art Galleries
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery, and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are…
Cool Off in Mountain Swimming Holes
Refresh yourself and have fun in our cool mountain waters in our lakes, rivers and waterfalls. See our favorite swimming spots (including popular Sliding Rock), tubing spots, pools and beaches.
Waterfalls Top 60
Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full…
Lake Santeetlah
This gorgeous lake in Graham County is mostly surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Swim, boat, camp and fish in the pristine waters, near Robbinsville.
Memorial Day Weekend Events & Specials
GRINDFest AVL
This free annual festival celebrates black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Usually held over Memorial Day Weekend, it includes music, live performances, talks, workshops, food, local… More Information
Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts
See 100+ regional, local and national artists and craft artisans with fine jewelry, a big variety of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.… More Information
White Squirrel Weekend
Go nuts at this three-day downtown Brevard festival featuring a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts, and much more on Memorial Day Weekend.
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Memorial Day Concert and Ceremony
Held on the Roger McGuire Green Stage of Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville starting at 2:30 PM with the Army National Guard's Army Band performing a half-hour before and after the ceremony.…
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
