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
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
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
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
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).
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…
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.
More Information
Freedom Fest, Bryson City NC
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.
Past Events
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…
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…
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
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!
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
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…
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
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
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
More InformationFor events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
