Top 2026 Spring Events and Festivals in Asheville

Spring in Asheville is when the Blue Ridge turns the volume up. Orchids bloom in greenhouses, tulips stretch on historic lawns, and music drifts through downtown like it’s part of the weather.

As the days stretch longer, Asheville shifts with them: patio season returns, Parkway corridors start greening back up, and the region’s makers, musicians, and growers re-emerge with a calendar full of reasons to linger. You’ll find spring’s biggest “only-here” moments scattered across neighborhoods and nearby towns, where the arts feel personal and the outdoors is always a stone's throw away.

What are the top spring festivals and events in Asheville, NC in 2026?

Downtown Asheville

SoCon Week in Asheville | March 5–9, 2026

For a few days each spring, Asheville becomes tournament town—downtown buzzing earlier, jerseys everywhere, and game-day energy spilling into breweries, restaurants, and hotel lobbies. Even if you don’t have a bracket, it’s a fun time to be here: big crowds, big moments, and that distinctly Asheville mix of competition and community.

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival | March 15–22, 2026

Asheville Fringe is where the city’s creative edge steps into the spotlight—genre-blurring performances, unexpected venues, and the kind of shows that make you want to see “one more” because no two nights feel the same. Plan to hop around: the magic is in the mix, from bold new work to collaborations that only happen when Asheville’s artists get permission to get weird.

New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half | March 21, 2026

Asheville’s biggest race day turns the city into a moving celebration—runners winding through downtown streets and historic neighborhoods, spectators posted up with cowbells and coffee, and a finish that feels like a block party. Whether you’re chasing a PR or cheering from the sidelines, it’s one of spring’s most high-energy weekends in town.

Spring at Biltmore | March 26–May 21, 2026

Nothing says “spring has arrived” quite like Biltmore in bloom. Over these weeks, the estate layers color in waves—orchids and spring bulbs inside, then tulips, azaleas, and the garden’s longer-lasting encore as the season warms. It’s an easy anchor for a spring itinerary: come for the gardens, stay for the strolls, the views, and that unmistakable “Biltmore-scale” sense of renewal. 

Asheville Orchid Festival | March 27–29, 2026

Hundreds of orchids take over The North Carolina Arboretum for a weekend that feels like stepping into a living jewel box—lush displays, growers and breeders, and plenty of chances to learn (or leave with a new plant obsession). Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just orchid-curious, it’s one of spring’s most photogenic, sensory-forward events. 

Asheville Spring Herb Festival | April 24–26, 2026

A long-running rite of spring in the Asheville area, the Herb Festival brings together herb growers and related makers for three days of plants, products, and practical know-how. Expect everything from culinary favorites to medicinal herbs—plus plenty of garden-adjacent inspiration to take home. (Held at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.) 

Get In Gear Fest | April 25, 2026

If Western North Carolina had a “test-drive the outdoors” day, this is it. Get In Gear Fest gathers regional gear brands and builders for demos, shopping, and hands-on fun—an easy way to meet the makers behind the equipment and try out what’s new before you commit. It’s hosted at the Adventure Center of Asheville and is designed to be approachable for a wide range of experience levels. 

Maker Faire Asheville | April 18, 2026

Part science fair, part art show, part “how did they build that?”—Maker Faire Asheville is a spring standout for curious minds. Expect inventive projects, creative tech, hands-on demonstrations, and the kind of ideas that make you want to go home and start making something yourself. 

Oddities & Art Market | April 25, 2026

For the curious-minded and collector-hearted, this market is a spring wildcard—in the best way. Expect strange-and-beautiful finds, handmade art with edge, and a room full of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.

Growing in the Mountains Plant Sale | May 1–3, 2026

This is Asheville’s “starter pistol” for garden season—three days of plants and plant people at the WNC Farmers Market. 

Asheville Improv Festival | May 7–10, 2026

Four days of quick-thinking comedy that keeps downtown feeling lively after dark. With shows and workshops, the Improv Fest is an easy “pick-your-own-night” add-on—go once for the laughs, or build a mini comedy weekend around it.

Beer City Relay & 5K | May 23, 2026

This is Asheville in its natural habitat: team spirit, a little friendly competition, and a post-race scene that leans more “hang” than “hard finish.” Expect good vibes, riverfront air, and a choose-your-own pace approach—run it, walk it, cheer it, then celebrate like a local.

LEAF Celebration | May 30, 2026

LEAF brings its signature blend of music, art, and community together in a way that feels both rooted and wide-open, like springtime distilled into a single day. Come for the live sets and creative surprises, stay for the feeling that you’ve stumbled into a gathering where everyone’s invited.

RAD Renaissance | Dates TBD for 2026

The River Arts District has a talent for turning resilience into something you can feel—music in the air, studios buzzing, and art that invites you in close. RAD Renaissance has been framed as a celebration of art, renewal, and community.

Downtown After 5 | Third Fridays, April–September; 2026 lineup TBD

Downtown After 5 is one of Asheville’s classic warm-weather traditions: free live music, local food and drink vendors, and that specific Asheville feeling where you turn a casual evening into a whole night out. 

Asheville Symphony: Spring 2026 Masterworks | Select dates in Feb–May 2026

For a dress-up night (or a “just let the music carry you” night), the Asheville Symphony’s spring schedule offers multiple anchor dates—ideal if you want to build a weekend around a concert. Confirmed 2026 Masterworks dates listed by the Symphony include Feb. 14, Mar. 21, Apr. 18, and May 16.

Asheville Beer Week | Dates TBD for 2026

Asheville Beer Week is a two-week, suds-soaked spring ritual where the city’s craft brewers, indie bars, and restaurant kitchens team up for tap takeovers, thoughtful pairings, and beer-laced conversations that spill into patios, lager gardens, and late nights downtown.

What Live Music, Theater, and Comedy Shows Can You See in Asheville, NC This Spring?

This spring, Asheville’s stages hum with first-time favorites, big-room brass, jam-band momentum, and quick-thinking comedy. Build your own after-dark itinerary with our highlights below, or skip straight to the full Events Calendar to find the one that calls your name.

March Highlights

March 1, 2026: Dom Flemons at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 1, 2026: Aly & AJ at The Orange Peel
March 3, 2026: Coma Cinema at Eulogy
March 4, 2026: Nicole Zuraitis at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
March 5–9, 2026: Ingles Southern Conference Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
March 5–29, 2026: Tiny Beautiful Things at NC Stage
March 6, 2026: Darrell Scott + Will Hoge at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 10, 2026: Ratboys – When the Sun Explodes Tour at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 12, 2026: Gary Numan at The Orange Peel
March 12, 2026: Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket) at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 13, 2026: Cat Power at The Orange Peel
March 13–14, 2026: BODYTRAFFIC at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
March 14, 2026: The Hives (with The Chats) at The Orange Peel
March 17, 2026: Mike Gordon at The Orange Peel
March 19, 2026: Steven Curtis Chapman’s Speechless ’26 Tour at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
March 19, 2026: The Moth StorySLAM: FUMBLES & FOULS at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 19, 2026: Robert Earl Keen at The Orange Peel
March 20, 2026: Jonathan Richman at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 20–21, 2026: moe. at The Orange Peel
March 21, 2026: Harlem Globetrotters – The 100 Year Tour at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
March 21, 2026: Mason Jennings at Grey Eagle Music Hall
March 22, 2026: Old Crow Medicine Show at The Orange Peel
March 24, 2026: DRAIN (with Black Joe Lewis + Piñata Protest) at The Orange Peel
March 27–29, 2026: Tri-State Dance Competition at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
March 31, 2026: PUSCIFER – The Normal Isn’t Tour (with special guest Dave Hill) at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 

April Highlights

April 1, 2026: Slomosa at Eulogy
April 1, 2026: Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian (with special guest Rosie Flores) at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville)
April 3, 2026: John Craigie (with Anthony da Costa) at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 3, 2026: Reverend Horton Heat at The Orange Peel
April 3–4, 2026: The Comedy Zone: Kevin Bozeman at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 4, 2026: Wednesday at The Orange Peel
April 5, 2026: Juvenile at The Orange Peel
April 6, 2026: John Craigie with Anthony da Costa at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 7, 2026: John Cowan Trio featuring Luke Bulla and Ethan Ballinger at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 8, 2026: Sports at Eulogy
April 10, 2026: Della Mae at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 10, 2026: An Evening With Goose at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
April 10–May 3, 2026: Hello, Dolly! at Asheville Community Theatre
April 11, 2026: Breabach at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 11, 2026: Kevin James – Eat The Frog at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
April 12, 2026: Whose Live Anyway? at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
April 12, 2026: An Evening With Willis Alan Ramsey at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 14, 2026: Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman (with special guest Brennan Wedl) at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
April 16, 2026: The Moth StorySLAM: SUS at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 17, 2026: Greensky Bluegrass at Asheville Yards
April 17, 2026: Alabama Shakes at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
April 17, 2026: Reginald Golden Singers – Stony the Road at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 18, 2026: St. Paul & The Broken Bones at The Orange Peel
April 19, 2026: Bob Dylan – Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
April 21, 2026: Snail Mail at The Orange Peel
April 22, 2026: Yellow Bird Chase at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 23, 2026: Cat Kid Comic Club at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 23–25, 2026: Robert Dubac – The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 24, 2026: Karla Bonoff at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
April 24, 2026: Martin Sexton: Live Wide Open Tour 2026 at Grey Eagle Music Hall
April 25, 2026: ERNEST at The Orange Peel
April 28, 2026: GWAR at The Orange Peel

May Highlights

May 1, 2026: Chris Smither at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 1, 2026: Flyte at Eulogy
May 1–2, 2026: Stewart/Owen Dance + Guests at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
May 2, 2026: The Nude Party at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 3, 2026: CLUTCH (with Corrosion of Conformity + JD Pinkus) at The Orange Peel
May 3, 2026: Cass McCombs + Band at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 5, 2026: The Wallflowers at The Orange Peel
May 5, 2026: Dance With The Dead + Magic Sword at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 7–31, 2026: No Child… at NC Stage
May 8, 2026: Arcy Drive at The Orange Peel
May 8, 2026: Drug Church x White Reaper (with SPY + Public Opinion) at Eulogy
May 11, 2026: Mac DeMarco at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
May 12, 2026: Sun Kil Moon at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 14, 2026: Ole 60 (with Rob Langdon & The Bends) at Asheville Yards
May 29, 2026: Andrew Bird with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
May 30, 2026: John Crist Live! at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium