Summer festivals in the Asheville area include the Southeast's largest free street festival, live music festivals, arts festivals and a festival devoted to Native American heritage.
Here are some of the hottest and most popular Western North Carolina summer festivals and events.
Summer Festivals:
Your search returned 33 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
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
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
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
4th of July Celebration
What could be better than spending Independence Day with your family and friends in downtown Asheville? Music, food and family fun celebrate the entire day of patriotic festivities, highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
Event date(s):
Jul 04, 2008 to Jul 05, 2008
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
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
Bele Chere
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 Bele Chere 5K
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
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
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
Biltmore Harvest Celebration
Biltmore will celebrate its Appalachian heritage during Harvest Celebration. Guests can experience the annual traditions of families who once lived and worked on the property, with customary mountain and agricultural legacy activities and events. Festive fall activities will include musicians playing traditional tunes, Appalachian-style dancers, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, free gardening and decorating seminars, local artisans, folk tales and storytelling, cakewalks and farm life demonstrations.
Event date(s):
Sep 05, 2008 to Oct 26, 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
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
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
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