FESTIVALS IN THE ASHEVILLE AREA
The best festival list on line offered by Romanticashville.com
Every Friday Night: Drum Circle
Listen and dance to the drumming circle which gathers in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville from Spring through Fall on Friday evenings.
Every Third Friday, June through September: Downtown After Five
Enjoy free live music, food and beer in downtown Asheville.
Read more about Downtown After Five.
Late May-Early August: SART
Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre presents six professional productions at Mars Hill College, 18 miles north of downtown.
Go to their Web site.
May 27-29, 2011: Mountain Sports Festival
Whether you’re a hardcore athlete or a newbie trying an event for the first time, the annual Mountain Sports Festival in Asheville offers something for you.
May 28-29, 2011: White Squirrel Festival
Go nuts at the White Squirrel Festival in downtown Brevard that features a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts and much.
May 28-29, 2011: Garden Jubilee Festival
This Downtown Hendersonville Festival is the ideal event for passionate gardeners searching for the perfect plants and unique lawn & garden accessories and arts & crafts.
May 30, 2011: Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival
The grounds of the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site come alive with folk music which was an important part of Carl Sandburg’s life along with his guitar playing and singing as well as his writing. Live entertainment includes instrumentals, folk ballads and spiritual songs. 10 AM-4 PM
June 3-5, 2011: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival
In the fifth year of celebrating the Vaudeville Revival, ABSfest offers three days of inspiration, education, shopping, and entertainment that no lover of these arts can afford to miss.
June 9-September 8: Homegrown in Prichard Park
Enjoy free live music in downtown Asheville on Thursdays 6:00-8:00 PM with local singer-song writers all summer long. The artists for the concert series are: June 9 Oso Rey, June 16 Nova Echo Acoustic, June 23 Aaron LaFalce, June 30 Silas Durocher, July 7 Galen Kipar, July 14 Rusty Knox, July 21 Battle of the Buskers, August 4 Ryan Okeefe, August 11 Jennie Arnau, August 18 Ben Wilson, August 25 Pierce Edens, September 1 Moses Atwood, September 8 Jeff Santiago.
June 10-11, 2011: Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival
Tasty festival in Tryon that features Hog Heaven, with more than 80 cook teams from across the United States; live music on two stages; Foothills Craft Fair and so much more.
June 10-12, 2011: Toe River Studio Tour
More than 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium open their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure.
June Saturdays: Art in the Park
Pack Square Park in downtown is transformed into an artistic garden of wondrous diversity.
June 11-12, 2011: River District Artists Studio Stroll
This is your chance to tour the studios, meet with the artists and purchase artwork. Within just a few blocks are dozens of eclectic mix of creative artists – from traditional to cutting-edge. Near downtown Asheville.
June 11-12: Civil War Living History “A Call To Arms!”at Vance Birthplace State Historic Site
In conjunction with 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, members of the 26th NC Regiment will be at Zebulon Vance Birthplace in Weaverville (about 10 miles north of Downtown Asheville) portraying members of the “Jeff Davis Mountaineers” a company of infantry being recruited in the mountains of North Carolina. Return to the year 1861 and witness the turmoil as the men of the mountains answer the call “To Arms!” Activities include a military and civilian encampment, 19th century military drills, drum and fife concerts, a 19th photographer, recruiting speeches, and more. Hours are 9-4 on Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday. Admission is free. Call (828) 645-6706 for more information.
June 11, 25, July 2, 9, 23, August 6, 13, 27: The Umbrella Market
Stop by Prichard Park in downtown Asheville on most Saturdays 10AM–4 PM for vendors of handmade or homegrown products including art, crafts, jewelry, photography, flowers, tomatoes, herbs, and more!
June 17-19, 2011: Rhododendron Festival
Two Rhododendron Festivals (North Carolina and Tennessee versions) are held in the Roan Mountain area!
June 24-August 7, 2011: Brevard Music Center Festival
Four hundred of the most talented students in the world join Brevard’s artist faculty to present more than 80 concerts in a beautiful setting.
June 25-26: Family Farm Tour
This Farm Tour lets you explore 41 farms that are not normally open to the public, ranging from century farms cultivated by the same family for generations, to certified organic farms, to urban gardens. Come with a cooler and your appetite. A variety of vegetables and fruits, trout, beef, pork, lamb, eggs, artisan cheeses, herbs, mushrooms, honey, garlic, preserves, and much more are available to sample or for sale.
July 1-October 23, 2011
A fabulous Tiffany exhibition comes to Biltmore this summer!
July 2, 9, 16, 23 August 13, 20, 27, September 3, 2011: 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 visitors from around the world-at the Shindig on the Green in downtown Asheville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the “green.” We are a proud sponsor of Shindig on the Green!
July 4: Various Festivals
July 7-10, 2011: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Modeled after the Braemar Highland Games in Scotland, it is considered to be the grandfather of Scottish Games in the United States.
July 8-10, 2011: Carolina Mountain Ribfest
Held at the WNC Agricultural Center Fairgrounds in Asheville, this food festival features mouth watering BBQ ribs, chicken, and pulled pork prepared by world class, award winning barbecue rib vendors from around the country. Savor all the traditional side dishes, beverages, desserts and comfort foods as well.
July 12-16, 2011: Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival
The largest stand-up comedy event in the southeast returns to downtown Asheville
July 21-24, 2011: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
The Craft Fair showcases work by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with over 900 members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. Members’ work must be juried and accepted by a committee of peers, based on quality, design and craftsmanship.
July 15-16, 2011: The Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Indian Art Market
Held in Cherokee, this annual gathering of tribes from throughout the Americas takes its rightful place as the finest showcase of native dance, art, and culture in the southeast.
July 21-31, 2011: Folkmoot USA
North Carolina’s Official International Festival is a two-week celebration of the world’s cultural heritage through folk music and dance.
July 29-31, 2011: Bele Chere
Enjoy the largest free outdoor street festival in the Southeast in downtown Asheville.
July 29-October 12: Biltmore Summer Concerts
Stellar line-up for live music concerts outside by the Biltmore House.
August 1, 2011: Island in the Mountains Fest
Held on Blannahassett Island in the French Broad River in Marshall to celebrate Jerry Garcia’s birthday. Music from noon till midnight including The Tony Rice Unit and New Riders of the Purple Sage. Crafts and local food too! Who knew a Monday could be so much fun? Go to their Web site.
August 5-6, 2011: Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
The oldest and largest crafts fair in the Blue Ridge with 250+ craftfolk showing their work as well as live entertainment, children activites and a wide variety of food in downtown Burnsville.
Go to their Web site.
August 5-7, 2011: Asheville Antiques Fair
More than 50 invited dealers from across the U.S. display and sell at the Civic Center. More antique shopping.
Go to their Web site.
August 6-7, 2011: Village Art & Craft Fair
Held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, the fair hosts 125 artists from 20 states representing the full spectrum of craft media – jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more.
Go to the Village Art & Craft Fair Web site.
August 12-14, 2011: Asheville Food & Wine Festival
Food and wine aficionados rejoice! The WNC Agricultural Grounds Expo Center will host the event featuring regional wineries, chefs and local food producers. Attendees enjoy a series of wine tastings and food events that showcase local flavors.
August 13-14, 2011: Sourwood Festival
There’s always plenty to see and do at this free street festival in downtown Black Mountain with great music and lots of fun, and of course lots of great mountain cookin’. Held each year in August, it’s a time for good food, good fun and good friends.
August 26-27: Cherokee Festival of Native Peoples
Indigenous tribes from across the Americas gather for the Festival of Native Peoples. Considered the finest showcase of native dance, song and art in the southeast, the event honors the collective history, customs and wisdom of some of the oldest documented tribes.
August 26-28, 2011: Goombay!
Join in the fun with this African-Caribbean style festival with a variety of entertainment including steel drums, African-America dancers, local gospel groups, and contemporary rhythm bands, plus crafts and great food.
September 2-5, 2011: NC Apple Festival
Downtown Hendersonville features more than 150 vendors lining eight blocks of the main event area. There is continuous entertainment from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. The King Apple Parade, always held on Labor Day, culminates the Main Street activities.
September 4, 2011: Lexington Ave. Arts and Fun Festival.
This fantastically fabulous, freaky jam-packed day will showcase the many diverse talents that Asheville has to offer. Four areas of local music and performance, street performers galore, fire-dancers, belly dancers, art and craft, culinary and healing arts. Downtown Asheville.
September 16-17, 2011: Dirty Dancing Festival
Fans of the cult-classic Dirty Dancing will relive memories of Baby’s first dance at the inaugural “Dirty Dancing Festival” in the film’s original, breathtaking backdrop of Lake Lure.
September 17-18, 2011: Heritage Weekend
This free festival at the Folk Art Center is sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild and features traditional music and dancing, storytelling and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight of the weekend is the 30th Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition. Learn from area experts about beekeeping, canning and preserving, coopering, heritage toy making, blacksmithing, natural dyeing, spinning, quilting, whittling, basket weaving and folk pottery.
TOP PICK FALL FESTIVAL
October 20-23: LEAF Festival
Music, art and culture – all in a beautiful setting. The Indigo Girls, the global music movement Playing For Change, and featured Caribean Traditions artists from Haiti- Boukman Eksperyman. and Bonga & Vodou Drums of Haiti. Advance tickets required!
