Festivals
Parents who want to expose their children to new ways of thinking, cultural differences or history are in luck when they visit Asheville.
Asheville festivals are among the most popular in the U.S., including the largest free street festival in the Southeast, one of the nation's best craft fairs, an outdoor sports festival and numerous music festivals.
Your search returned 51 events:
Downtown After Five
This year Downtown After Five celebrates its 20th Anniversary of providing free live music and entertainment in downtown Asheville, presented by the Asheville Downtown Association. This weeks headliner is John Mooney & Bluesiana (www.johnmooneylive.com) with local performers Woody Wood and Hollywood Red (www.woodywoodmusic.com).
Event date(s):
Jun 20, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Greens Day Celebration
The North Asheville Tailgate Market invites you to our Greens Day. Sample fresh local greens prepared by a chef while you and your family shop for delicious baked goods and the freshest produce of the season. Enjoy live mountain music while you enter our free raffle for a basket full of fresh, culinary delights. Come join us and have a the best Saturday morning of your summer.
Event date(s):
Jun 21, 2008 at 07:00 AM
84th Annual Singing on the Mountain
The "Singing" is a day-long gathering held out-of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with a break at mid-day for the sermon. Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying performances by top Southern Gospel groups.
Event date(s):
Jun 22, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Concerts on the Quad - The Smoky Mountain Brass Band
The band performs a repertoire that includes marches, patriotic numbers, classical orchestra and band works, hymns, folk song and original works written for its unique instrumentation. Dr. John Entzi, Music Department faculty, is the 7th conductor of the Band.
Event date(s):
Jun 23, 2008 at 07:00 PM
The Boathouse on Lake Julian presents Lakefest Music Series - Firecracker Jazz Band
Bring the whole family and join us on the Pavilion to soak up the warm spring weather, great food, cocktails and free live music!
Event date(s):
Jun 26, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Art in Bloom Garden Tour
See a variety of flower and community vegetable gardens in Black Mountain, where hosts will guide you, and plein aire painters will help you enjoy the artistic side of the gardens.
Event date(s):
Jun 27, 2008 to Jun 28, 2008
Art in Bloom Thyme for Tea & Fashion Show
Enjoy a cup of tea with delectables from Stovetrotters Bistro, while oohing and aahing over wearable art from Bellagio, a boutique in Asheville.
Event date(s):
Jun 27, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Art in Bloom UPBEAT! 4th Friday Concert
The monthly UPBEAT! 4th Friday Musical Heritage Concert will feature The Magills, Jim, Beth, and Andrew. With a sound that is both timeless and contemporary, the Magills play original, innovative music with power and grace, rooted in the Celtic and Appalachian traditions. Their music has been featured on North Carolina Public Television, and ranges from the stately and exquisite to the wildly beautiful. (www.magills.net)
Event date(s):
Jun 27, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Art in Bloom Flower and Art Show
A flower plus art show, the concept of Art in Bloom is for floral designers to use the freshest of natures bounty to interpret works of art for the public to view. Enthusiastically supporting Art in Bloom is Honorary Chair Becky Anderson, recently retired Executive Director of Handmade in America, a 7th generation native of western NC, and an award-winning leader in the arts.
Event date(s):
Jun 27, 2008 to Jun 29, 2008
Americana Burlesque and Sideshow Festival Spectacular Cabaret: the main event & showcase extravaganza!
A fresh display of nationally acclaimed burlesque performances, sideshow freakiness and vaudeville flair. Burlesque, hula wonders, pain management, glass walking, brisk bullwhips, Siamese twins and more a luscious cabaret ruckus after party. Headlining is Baltimore's award winning acrobatic burlesque super duo, Trixie Little & the Evil Hate Monkey, Syrens of the South, Panty Raid, Big Mama D, and much more. Emceed by Mab, Just Mab. Complete with mystics, vendors and more carnie appeal. After party with The Mezmer Society.
Event date(s):
Jun 28, 2008
Concerts on the Quad - One Leg Up
Top-notch acoustic swing in the 1930s style of French jazzman Django Reinhardt. And Asheville-based, too. Featuring John Stineman (guitar & vocal) Jim Tanner (guitar), Daniel Coolik (mandolin), Steve Trismen (violin), Mike Guzalak (clarinet, saxophone, percussion & vocal), Cary Fridley (bass & vocal).
Event date(s):
Jun 30, 2008 at 07:00 PM
INGLES 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION
Friday, JULY 4th, 2008 The City of Asheville invites you to join us downtown for the Ingles 4th of July Celebration. An event for the whole family, the festivities start at 1:00 p.m. at Pack Square and along College Street in Downtown Asheville. The Sons of the American Revolution will return again this year to offer a patriotic tribute to our country. The fun will continue throughout the night, with music and games, and a grand finale fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.
Event date(s):
Jul 04, 2008 at 01:00 PM
July Powwow
On Americas birthday, we celebrate with our special brand of fireworks with a three-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming, and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick up the excitement event higher.
Event date(s):
Jul 04, 2008 to Jul 06, 2008
Downtown Black Mountain Fireworks
With a Street Dance, Food and Fun!
Event date(s):
Jul 04, 2008 to Jul 05, 2008
Shindig on the Green
Come enjoy a joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on summer Saturday evenings in downtown Asheville. Watch a stage show or an informal jam session. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, family and friends.
Event date(s):
Jul 05, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Concerts on the Quad - Bandana Klezmer and Jibblin' the Froeline
Bandana Klezmer 7-8 pm 7-pc local Klezmer band playing this high-energy Eastern European celebration music. Klezmer is often played at weddings and other happy events. Based in the Jewish tradition, it also includes gypsy music and influences from other regions of Eastern Europe. Klezmer is an expression of both the joy & sorrow of the Jewish experience, alternating frequently between major & minor keys. Featuring Marc Rudow (fiddle), Meg Peterson (accordion & vocals), Rob Levin (guitar), Michael Hunt (percussion & tsimbl [hammer dulcimer]), Andy John (cello & harmonica), Tom Mills (fiddle & clarinet), and Naomi Dalglish (fiddle & vocals). Jibblin' the Froeline 8-9pm This 5-pc group describes itself as a jambo-gypsy-blues band. Eclectic and rocking original dance music, exploring the blues, island, Afro, Cajun, country, and funk. Lyrically the songs sing of love, the spirit, and the state of the world! Featuring Wayne Kirby (guitar and accordion), Steve Cohen (bass and vocals) Greg Olson (guitar, banjo, mandolin, flute and vocals), Ian Cunningham (drums), and Joanna Boyd (vocals).
Event date(s):
Jul 07, 2008 at 07:00 PM
53rd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Over one hundred Scottish clans and societies sponsor this celebration of Scottish dance, music and athletics.
Event date(s):
Jul 10, 2008 to Jul 13, 2008
Carolina Mountain Ribfest
A festival featuring world class barbecue rib vendors from around the country serving mouth watering ribs, chicken, brisket and pulled pork as well as a variety of desserts and other comfort foods. Live top name entertainment each day, family fun zone, arts and crafts show, commercial exhibits, Mountain Man tractor pull, and more. Food and fun for the whole family.
Event date(s):
Jul 11, 2008 to Jul 13, 2008
Bamboo Society Festival
The American Bamboo Societys Southeastern Chapter hosts its second annual Bamboo Festival. Visitors will learn about the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass. The weekend includes lectures, demonstrations, crafts and plant sales.
Event date(s):
Jul 12, 2008 to Jul 13, 2008
Concerts on the Quad - The Buckerettes
3-pc. acoustic "free-ranging trail-blazin' hometown cowgirls" featuring swing-jazz, country, bluegrass and old time, blues, golden rock n' roll and even a little "MooTown." Featuring Asheville City Councilwoman, Robin Cape (bass and vocals), Deb Criss (guitar and vocals), and Roberta Greenspan (fiddle and vocals).
Event date(s):
Jul 14, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival
The Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival is the largest stand-up comedy festival in the southeast featuring over twenty comics in downtown Asheville.
Event date(s):
Jul 17, 2008 to Jul 19, 2008
4th Annual Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Art Market
*This event is a Top 20 event as determined by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). The Festival of Native Peoples is an exposition of non-competitive dance, storytelling and song performances expressing the collected history, culture, tradition and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Along with the Festival, the first Cherokee Art Market with all Native American artists will display and sell their handmade traditional and contemporary artworks. Juried artists and artisans will also display, show and sell their beautiful work. Gates open at 10 a.m., Show begin at 6 p.m.
Event date(s):
Jul 17, 2008 to Jul 19, 2008
Downtown After Five
This year Downtown After Five celebrates its 20th Anniversary of providing free live music and entertainment in downtown Asheville, presented by the Asheville Downtown Association. This weeks headliner is The Waybacks (www.waybacks. com) with local performers Plato de Mambo.
Event date(s):
Jul 18, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Summer Cooler Beer Fest
Join us for the FIRST Annual Summer Cooler Beerfest at the Garage at Biltmore. Ticket includes a commemorative 16oz beer glass. You get beer samples from all participating breweries, BBQ by Luella's and live music by both Woody Wood and Empty Slate.
Event date(s):
Jul 20, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Bele Chere - 30th Anniversary
A free 3-day street festival in downtown Asheville. 6 stages with music of all kinds, arts & crafts, a children's area, food from around the world and around the corner, events, and interactive events! The largest free street festival in the Southeast!
Event date(s):
Jul 25, 2008 to Jul 27, 2008
29th Annual Bele Chere 5K & Fun Run
The crown jewel of the Western North Carolina road racing scene is back for its 29th consecutive year. The Asheville Track Club is proud to host the Bele Chere 5K Presented By Kimmel & Associates. Once again, the race will be headquartered at historic McCormick Field. The course represents what running in Asheville is all about: a few moderate climbs, a few fast downhills and friendly people to cheer you on and help you at the race. The race will finish two blocks from the stadium so it is just a short walk for post-race refreshments - courtesy of Citi Stop, Doc Cheys, and Dunkin Donuts the finish of the Asheville Tourists Fun Run and the awards ceremony. Award winners will see their name on the stadium matrix board so bring your family, friends and camera. Whether you are a road race veteran or only run one race each year, this is the one you dont want to miss.
Event date(s):
Jul 26, 2008 at 08:00 AM
81st Annual Mountain Dance & Folk Festival
The nations longest running folk festival. The 81st annual edition of this three-day event showcases the best of the regions traditional and old-time musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, ballad singers and storytellers. 7:00p.m. nightly at Diana Wortham Theater.
Event date(s):
Jul 31, 2008 to Aug 02, 2008
Asheville Quilt Show
The Asheville Quilt Guild holds this annual event that features more than 250 quilts from around the region, nation and world. The show will include demonstrations, a Merchants Mall, a boutique of handmade items, and the opportunity to see winning quilts from multiple categories.
Event date(s):
Aug 01, 2008 to Aug 03, 2008
36th Annual Village Art & Craft Fair
The fair hosts 130 artists from 20 states, with items such as jewelry, pottery, wood, fiber, metal and two-dimensional art. The event is known for its avant-garde entries.
Event date(s):
Aug 02, 2008 to Aug 03, 2008
Trinumeral Music and Arts Festival 08/08/08
Trinumeral is a Music and Arts Festival held annually on the date in which the day, month, and year align in auspicious sameness. It began on January 1, 2001 and has become a celebration of life, music, and art held every year on the synchronized dates.
Event date(s):
Aug 08, 2008 to Aug 10, 2008
31st Annual Sourwood Festival
Since 1977, Sourwood Festival has brought fun and entertainment to Black Mountain. The festival, sponsored by the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, is named after the regions important honey source, the Sourwood tree, which blooms in mid to late summer each year. Two hundred booths and areas of crafts, food, games and fun attracts over 30,000 visitors from all over the country.
Event date(s):
Aug 09, 2008 to Aug 10, 2008
Wood Day
Join members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild at the Folk Art Center for an exciting day exploring various forms of woodcraft. Wood Day features the Seventh Annual Carve Off Competition from 1pm to 3pm.
Event date(s):
Aug 09, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Urban Trail Block Party
Mark the time, and the date, for Asheville’s premier block party as we continue with an outstanding series of downtown Saturday block parties the, Urban Trail Block Party, a Diversity Is Our Trademark (DIOT) event and located in the heart of downtown on historic Eagle Street. The third of the four Urban Trail Block Party promises to be exciting with an exciting music line-up, with a mixed bag of local, independent merchants showcasing their talents and wares in the arts, crafts, and more. The Block Party stage will be alive with music from regional and local artists featuring music of various genres, and there will be special events geared for families. Additionally, through this event DIOT will showcase the wide range of diverse and thriving businesses on Eagle and Market Streets (“The Block”). The Block has one of the most diverse and largest collections of minority-owned businesses in Western North Carolina, with a showcase of eclectic talents in cooking, retail, and the service industry. . Our summer series of block parties seamlessly adds to the exciting energy of the city with innovative purposeful entertainment. Participating talent includes our Master of Ceremony Keith “Chop Chop” Fisher, West Sound, East Coast Dirt, Mountain High Soul Society,The DIOT Crew providing music, and more! Sponsors of the event include City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, US Forestry, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Pigsah Brewery, On Tap Magazine, and The Human Movement.
Event date(s):
Aug 09, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Asheville Sacred Music & Yoga Festival
In the spirit of community and service this first annual festival will feature Asheville's favorite yoga teachers including Stephanie Keach (Asheville Yoga Center), Lillah Schwartz (Lighten Up), Derek Rinaldo (Namaste Yoga Sanctuary) Cindy Dollar (One Center Yoga), Shala Worsley (Asheville School of Massage & Yoga), Kaoverii Weber (Subtle Yoga), Cat Matlock (West Asheville Yoga), Sierra Hollister (Kundalini), and Barbara Schauer (Anahata Yoga). Enjoy a world class line up of sacred music including K. Sridhar (master Sarod player and tablas), Wynne Paris (worldbeat kirtan), Free Planet Radio (world music super group), Sangita Devi (local kirtan), Japa (world infused kirtan) and Kali Das. Exciting yoga workshops and classes will be offered all weekend long plus a call to action for all area yoga teachers and students to join the YOGA FOR ALL PROGRAM, that brings yoga to people in need.
Event date(s):
Aug 15, 2008 to Aug 17, 2008
Downtown After Five
This year Downtown After Five celebrates its 20th Anniversary of providing free live music and entertainment in downtown Asheville, presented by the Asheville Downtown Association. This weeks headliner is local performers Jeff Sipe and Shannon Whitworth Band with local performer Peggy Ratusz.
Event date(s):
Aug 15, 2008 at 05:00 PM
GoomBay! Festival
"Goombay!" Festival brings a variety of entertainment that delights every festival-goer. From Steel Drums, African-America Dancers, local Gospel Groups, and Contemporary Rhythm Bands, the activities are geared for families. The Festival-goer can enjoy an authentic Caribbean Meal at "Island of Delight" Cafe and see vendors line the streets with everything from ice cream to Third World Crafts.
Event date(s):
Aug 22, 2008 to Aug 24, 2008
Organicfest 2008
Organicfest is a celebration of everything organic! A FUNtastic day of live music, dancing, drawings for baskets of fabulous organic goodies and gift certificates, free organic samples and giveaways, an Organicfest Market on the Square featuring the finest organic: food and refreshments, clothing, herbs, flowers and natural arts and crafts. Environmental organizations will share informative conversation and help with organic living, organic gardening, farming and other earth care matters. Fun activities for kids including the Organicfest Kids Parade at 1pm. Join the celebration on Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville!
Event date(s):
Sep 06, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAFF)
LAAFF is in its 7th year of filling up Lexington Ave in downtown Asheville for one fabulously freaky day of all local, all original entertainment, arts, and food showcasing the diverse and amazing talents of WNC artists. There are multiple performance areas featuring belly dancing, fire dancing, break dancing, flamenco, salsa, reggae, bluegrass, rock, funk, afrobeat, jazz, trance, punk, opera, blues and more... and the beat goes on... Street performances and interactive art areas are scattered up and down the street in between art and craft venders, local breweries, local foods, the underground art show, stuff for kids, bicycle jousting, puppetry, arts cars, dancing and LAAFFing and More!
Event date(s):
Sep 07, 2008 at 11:00 AM
3rd Annual Carolina Mountains Literary Festival
The 3rd Annual Carolina Mountains Literary Festival will continue the tradition of bringing together authors with up and coming writers and fans. With both free and low cost workshops, as well as author lectures and Q & A sessions, the festival is a great way to get to know your favorite author and pick up a few tips for your own writing.
Event date(s):
Sep 12, 2008 to Sep 13, 2008
Mountain Heritage Festival
Come and enjoy this wonderful weekend full of artisans from Western North Carolina who will be selling and demonstrating their hand-made crafts. Enjoy special food items and wonderful Mountain Music that brings a festival atmosphere to Ghost Town in the Sky.
Event date(s):
Sep 13, 2008 to Sep 14, 2008
Biltmore Field to Table Festival
Biltmores tradition of collaboration and celebration between the farm and the table, will be shared with guests during the Field to Table Festival. When George Vanderbilt invited his first guests to Biltmore House in December 1895, he established legendary hospitality, including serving culinary delights grown right on the estate. From the beginning, it was his vision for Biltmore to be self-sustaining, creating a farm to provide hundreds of varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables, a dairy to supply milk, cream, butter and ice cream, and an apiary to produce honey. Today, Biltmore has an extensive culinary operation featuring five restaurants, vegetable and herb gardens that supply these restaurants, a free-range beef program, a 94-acre vineyard for wine production and the nations most visited winery. Festival guests can tour the estate and experience culinary demonstrations, wine barrel tastings, how-to instructional seminars, estate-inspired menus and entertainment.
Event date(s):
Sep 19, 2008 to Sep 28, 2008
Railfest 2008
Three days of railroad fun! Visiting equipment, Motor car display and muscial performances. Special events this year marking the 20th Anniversary of GSMR!
Event date(s):
Sep 19, 2008 to Sep 21, 2008
Downtown After Five
This year Downtown After Five celebrates its 20th Anniversary of providing free live music and entertainment in downtown Asheville, presented by the Asheville Downtown Association. This weeks headliner is Blue Mountain with local performers Laura Reed and Deep Pocket.
Event date(s):
Sep 19, 2008 at 05:00 PM
6th Annual Mountain Craft Fair
A festival celebrating arts and crafts of the Western North Carolina Mountains. Held in Bryson City in conjunction with Railfest and Bryson City's 27th Firemen's Day!
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 to Sep 21, 2008
28th Annual Heritage Weekend
A two-day celebration of traditional crafts, music and storytelling featuring the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition at 2pm on Saturday. This is the Guild's weekend to celebrate heritage crafts of the Appalachian mountains. Saturday hours are 10am-4pm. Sunday hours are 12pm-5pm.
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 to Sep 21, 2008
Heritage Crafts Weekend
The Arboretums Heritage Garden will house a weekend of demonstrations, plant sales and musical performances. Artists and crafters in attendance will include basket makers, broom makers, paper makers, natural dyers, weavers, jewelry makers and wood carvers.
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 to Sep 21, 2008
Dillsboro Antiques Fair
Quality antiques, crafts demonstrations, live music and a people’s choice contest for best vintage automobile round out a full day of festivities at the sixth annual Dillsboro Antiques Fair. New to the fair this year are old world crafts demonstrations, reflecting Dillsboro’s heritage as a handmade crafts town. Meanwhile, a presentation by historian George Frizzell of Western Carolina University documents the history of Dillsboro and the surrounding area, including period photographs. Antiques remain the centerpiece, with organizers placing an emphasis on quality. Vendors will offer carnival glass, baskets, dough bowls, vintage jewelry, quilts, pottery and a selection of antique furniture, plus many other items from days gone by.
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Art in Autumn
The Weaverville Business Association is proud to present the annual Art in Autumn arts and crafts festival on Main Street in downtown Weaverville each September. Art in Autumn is a juried show which showcases the diverse range of cultural heritage of our region.
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Farm to Table Fall Festival
The merchants of the Grove Arcade are celebrating the approaching change of seasons with Saturday programming in September that includes demonstrations, music, tastings, storytelling, mums, pumpkins and more.
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 at 12:00 PM
12th Annual Brewgrass Festival
Each year in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, we gather over 30 American breweries to showcase more than 100 different beers. We add a great lineup of national and regional bluegrass musicians that, in the past, has included such notables as Jimmy Martin, J.D. Crowe, The Osborne Brothers, Norman Blake, Tony Trischka, Bad Livers, Valerie Smith, Tony Furtado, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Sons Of Ralph. We also feature a variety of area food vendors and plenty of water. Put all these things together and you have the ingredients for the perfect beer day.
Event date(s):
Sep 20, 2008 at 12:00 PM
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