Welcome to Asheville, NC—a city where food is the centerpiece of daily life with approximately nearly 250 independent restaurants and a bevy of local breweries. more
The Asheville area, named a must–see destination by Frommer's, boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a vibrant and inviting downtown,...more
Asheville's seasons are a palette of colors and experiences, ranging from the enchanting holidays and spring mountains bursting with color to the outdoor adventures...more
From the local and national acts that perform at Bele Chere, to the global performers at July's Folkmoot festival in nearby Waynesville, to the African-Caribbean sounds of the Goombay festival held downtown each August, the Asheville area's summer music festivals are as eclectic as the city itself.
Enjoy the unique traditions of the Festival of Native Peoples in Cherokee or listen to the indie bands at the Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival. Whatever your musical tastes, Asheville's music festivals provide another compelling mix of musical sounds.
Hear local and world musicians perform in Asheville.
People have been traveling to Asheville to hear music for generations. In 1928, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce asked local folklorist Bascom Lamar Lunsford to invite local musicians and dancers for an event to encourage tourism.
His creation was the Mountain Folk and Dance Festival, which was so successful that it became a permanent event. Today, the combination of traditional music and mountain beauty remain a major draw for the city's multitude of visitors. And just as the Asheville area has grown, so has its range of musical offerings.
Plan Your Music Journey to Asheville
To get your planning started, here's a brief overview of a few annual festivals in the Asheville area:
Bele Chere
Asheville’s signature music festival offers an earful of free tunes during this three-day street party in July.
Biltmore’s Summer Evening Concerts
Experience the exhilaration of a live concert at Biltmore. Enjoy star performances on the South Terrace, while savoring breathtaking sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Moogfest
Three extraordinary days of music, featuring amazing music and bands, exhibitions, installations, films, workshops, and discussions celebrating the spirit and expansive vision of Bob Moog.
Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit
A 3-day music festival staged in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC. The vision and programming philosophy behind Mountain Oasis celebrates the creative spirit of musical exploration, along with the innovative spark that fuels all of the arts.
Brevard Music Festival
If it’s classical music you’re after, check out the performance calendar of the acclaimed Brevard Music Center’s Summer Institute & Festival.
Downtown After Five
Locals celebrate the vibrancy of downtown Asheville at these music-filled Friday evening gatherings. Join the fun every third Friday, May through September. The music menu includes jazz, blues, rock and more.
Festival of Native Peoples
Experience song performances and dance exhibitions from a host of tribes. This annual showcase of Native American culture is held every summer at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds in July.
Folkmoot USA
Global sights and sounds take center stage in Western North Carolina during the Folkmoot festival in July, which spotlights folk music and dance by more than 350 performers from about a dozen countries.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Generations of fans have celebrated the sounds of the banjo, fiddle and dulcimer along with traditional dance at the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival at in July.
Shindig on the Green
"Along about sundown" is the calling card for these free bluegrass song and dance gatherings, which have been taking place in Asheville for more than four decades in the summer.
Singing on the Mountain
The oldest ongoing old-time gospel convention of its kind in the Southern Appalachians, this free day-long event is held at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in June. The day includes top Southern Gospel groups and Grand Ole Opry performers, plus a midday sermon.
In 2013, we celebrate the 25th season of Downtown After 5! The event takes place each third Friday of the month May - September on Lexington Avenue at I-240. 2013 lineup will be announced April 30. Special thanks to presenting sponsor, Harmony Motors! The Harmony Motors family includes Audi Asheville, Harmony Porsche and Volkswagen of Asheville. Harmony Motors delights in the heritage of all their German marques. Come check out their unique Volkswagen showroom featuring vintage Volkswagens, anti...
