You’re thinking about visiting Asheville, but aren’t sure what you’ll do yet? Well, you’re in luck. The city has a lively events calendar full of amazing things to experience year-round. There’s food and art festivals, nature retreats, and live music performances that are sure to impress. Visiting a special event in Asheville gives you the chance to experience the community firsthand, taste the freshest local flavors, and explore new forms of art and music. There’s so much to see in Asheville!
This ultimate event guide to Asheville, NC will give you an idea of the types of festivals and activities that are taking place throughout the year. Let’s dive into this calendar so you can start planning your trip around these incredible events!
Events by Month
January
Asheville Restaurant Week
The start of the new year means new foodie adventures. January helps you start the new year off right with Asheville Restaurant Week! For one week, top restaurants across the city offer special prix fixe menus, showcasing their finest dishes at reduced prices. It’s the perfect time to sample the rich farm-to-table flavors of Asheville’s in upscale restaurants or in casual, contemporary cafés. Restaurant week is truly a delicious way to get to know Asheville.
February
Mardi Gras Parade
Asheville puts its own unique twist on Mardi Gras with a lively parade. The downtown Mardi Gras Parade is a colorful, festive spectacle featuring floats, costumes, and merrymakers dancing through the streets in a dazzling display. Everyone’s invited to join in on the fun at the masquerade balls and after-parties that fill the night with music and merriment.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
If you find yourself drawn to the avant-garde, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is something you should check out. This festival showcases experimental and unconventional works by local and national artists. Here you’ll find an adventurous blend of theater, puppetry, dance, and performance art. The shows are hosted in multiple venues around the city, ranging from small stages to more unconventional spaces. This festival is a must-attend event for anyone seeking out-of-the-box entertainment. The timing of this festival varies and could be held in March, so be sure to check online for more information.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asheville with a mix of lively pub crawls, green-themed parties, and live music! Put on your favorite green outfit and join in the festivities at various breweries and bars around the city. Sip an Irish stouts or ale while listening to live performances by local musicians. Musical acts range from traditional Celtic tunes to folk and rock, helping you get into the spirit of this iconic holiday.
April
Asheville Orchid Festival
Welcome Spring in April at the Asheville Orchid Festival held at the North Carolina Arboretum. This festival brings a pop of color to the city, showcasing beautiful arrangements and displays of native and international orchids. Check out a workshop to learn about cultivating these plants or check out the orchid options for sale so you can bring one home with you.
Asheville Bread Festival
Calling all bread lovers! You will love every minute spent at the Asheville Bread Festival with its hands-on workshops, expert demonstrations, and tastings focused on the craft of making artisan bread. Watch master bakers demonstrate traditional techniques, from sourdough starters to shaping and scoring dough. Panel discussions delve into topics like local grains, baking trends, and sustainability. The festival’s marketplace offers bread and baked goods from some of the best bakers in the region! Come celebrate all things bread in Asheville!
May
LEAF Global Arts Retreat
This smaller, more intimate version of the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) offers you a unique blend of live music, art, and healing arts workshops. Held at the idyllic Lake Eden in Black Mountain, the retreat brings together world-class musicians, performers, and artisans in beautiful surroundings. Participate in drum circles, yoga classes, and craft workshops, or simply relax by the lake while enjoying live music.
Biltmore Blooms
The grounds and gardens of the Biltmore transform into a floral wonderland, with thousands of tulips, azaleas, and other spring blooms covering every inch! Wander through the Walled Garden, meander along the Azalea Garden paths, and enjoy sweeping views of blooming flowers from the estate’s terraces. Garden experts are on hand to provide guided tours, while the estate’s conservatory displays rare tropical plants.
Montford Music & Arts Festival
Come enjoy a day of art, music, and culture at the Montford Music & Arts Festival. The historic Montford neighborhood turns into a bustling hub of creativity at the largest street festival in Western North Carolina! Live performances by local and regional musicians span genres from folk and bluegrass to rock and jazz, providing a lively soundtrack to your visit. Over 100 vendors showcase their art, jewelry, and crafts alongside food trucks and local restaurants offering everything from barbecue to international flavors.
Mountain Sports Festival
If you love nature, fitness, and competition then you’ll love this three-day celebration of outdoor sports. Activities like trail running, biking, paddleboarding, and climbing alongside races and sports events are just some ways to enjoy yourself. Listen to live music, eat local food, and check out the educational workshops that promote environmental stewardship.
June
Downtown After 5
As summer stretches over Asheville, the Downtown After 5 series starts and fills the city with the sounds of live music each month. Held on the third Friday of every month from May through September, these outdoor concerts transform North Lexington Avenue into a lively venue where everyone gathers to listen to local bands performing a mix of genres – from folk, rock, jazz, and the blues. It’s a great way to get a feel for Asheville’s music scene, while checking out food vendors, sampling craft beer, and enjoying the laidback vibes.
Blue Ridge Pride
In June, Blue Ridge Pride brings Asheville’s LGBTQ+ community together for a colorful, inclusive festival that spans the weekend. This event includes drag shows, live entertainment, and dozens of vendors offering food and merchandise. Workshops and discussion panels foster awareness and understanding, while local businesses show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
VeganFest
Celebrate plant-based cuisine and healthy living at VeganFest. This event is exciting for vegans and omnivores! The festival features cooking demonstrations by expert chefs, an array of food trucks and vendors showcasing their vegan dishes, and educational workshops on nutrition and sustainability. Visitors can sample delicious plant-based foods while learning about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.
July
Shindig on the Green
Shindig on the Green is a beloved Asheville tradition that celebrates the region’s rich Appalachian musical heritage. Taking place on summer Saturdays in Pack Square Park, this free event features traditional mountain music, bluegrass jams, and dance performances. Listen to fiddle tunes, banjo melodies, and more, while talented dancers showcase clogging and other folk dance styles.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
For nearly a century, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has brought together artisans from across the Southeast to showcase their exquisite handmade crafts. The event, held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville, features over 150 vendors offering pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewelry, and more. Live craft demonstrations give visitors an insight into the artists’ creative process, while the fair’s interactive nature workshops engage families and provide a fun learning experience. This craft fair gives you a window into the rich legacy of traditional Appalachian crafts.
LEAF Downtown
LEAF Downtown is a summer celebration of music, art, and community. Located in Pack Square Park, the festival features an exciting lineup of musical acts, ranging from world music to soul and blues, along with interactive workshops and family-friendly activities. Local and international artists display their work, while food trucks serve up everything from classic festival fare to international cuisine. The inclusive atmosphere encourages creativity. Hands-on activities, from painting to drum circles, offer something for everyone. LEAF Downtown invites people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in celebration of all things art!
August
Asheville Wine & Food Festival
For a comprehensive taste of Asheville’s diverse food scene, visit the Asheville Wine & Food Festival! This multi-day event is filled with tastings, cooking demonstrations, chef competitions, and educational panels, all spotlighting local chefs, winemakers, and food lovers. Pair delectable dishes with exquisite wines at The Grand Tasting event where you can sample a wide variety of wines, cocktails, and gourmet foods.
September
Village Art and Craft Fair
The Village Art and Craft Fair in historic Biltmore Village brings together over 100 talented artisans to showcase their work. This fair features booths displaying pottery, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, and more. As you stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Biltmore Village you can feast your eyes on carefully curated handmade crafts, find unique treasures, and speak directly with the artists about their creative processes. Live music and food vendors adding to the festive atmosphere.
Goombay Festival
Celebrate West African and Caribbean culture at the Goombay Festival! This event transforms downtown Asheville into a spectacular hub of music, dance, and good food. The parade, drumming circles, and live performances of reggae, gospel, and Afrobeat music fill the air, while food vendors serve up delicious Caribbean specialties. Craft vendors display handmade jewelry and textiles, while educational workshops and storytelling sessions provide insight into West African and Caribbean traditions.
Asheville Greek Festival
Hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the Asheville Greek Festival brings a taste of Greece to the city each September. The festival features a wide selection of traditional Greek dishes, including spanakopita, gyros, and baklava! Greek music and dance performances entertain as you savor the flavors of Greece. Craft booths selling authentic Greek jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs make this event an essential stop for all things Greek.
October
Asheville Oktoberfest
Put on your lederhosen and join in on the Oktoberfest fun at Asheville Oktoberfest! Sample a variety of beer from local breweries, play traditional Bavarian games, and dance to live polka music during the festivities. Explore a diverse selection of seasonal brews, including pumpkin ales, Märzens, and stouts, all while munching on pretzels, sausages, and other German-inspired goodies. The festival also includes stein-holding competitions and a costume contest, creating a lively celebration that pays homage to the original Munich Oktoberfest.
Haunted Asheville
As Halloween approaches, discover Asheville’s spooky side with Haunted Asheville tours and haunted attractions that delve into the city’s eerie past. Led by local experts, these ghost tours tell tales of haunted hotels, mysterious apparitions, and unexplained phenomena.
November
Holiday Parade and JingleFest
November marks the beginning of Asheville’s merrymaking season with its annual Holiday Parade and JingleFest. The streets are filled with holiday spirit as the parade travels through downtown, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and old St. Nick himself. After the parade, families head to JingleFest, a free event with crafts, live entertainment, and seasonal activities like cookie decorating and holiday-themed games.
The Big Crafty
The Big Crafty, Asheville’s holiday art market, brings together dozens of local artisans for a weekend filled with handmade crafts, unique gifts, and plenty of creative cheer. Browse booths showcasing jewelry, pottery, textiles, and fine art all crafted by talented regional artists. Enjoy live performances, delicious local food, and the holiday festivities at The Big Craft. Be sure to stock up on all your one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
December
Christmas at Biltmore
Your eyes will sparkle when you see the magical wonderland of Christmas at Biltmore. The grand estate is adorned with twinkling lights, elegant ornaments, and over 50 elaborately decorated Christmas trees. Take guided tours of the mansion’s opulent interiors, listen to live holiday music echoing through the halls, and warm up with a cup of hot cider. Outside, the gardens and grounds are illuminated, perfect for strolling. The estate’s Antler Hill Village hosts seasonal activities, including wine tastings at the estate’s winery and holiday shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts.
National Gingerbread House Competition
Every year, The Omni Grove Park Inn hosts the National Gingerbread House Competition, where master bakers from across the nation showcase their cookie architectural skills. These spectacular gingerbread creations feature intricate designs that blend art and whimsy using gingerbread and icing! Tour the exhibit and vote for their favorites, all while sipping a hot cocoa and taking in the inn’s amazing holiday decorations. This competition is one of Asheville’s most beloved holiday traditions
Experience the Best of Asheville with Mighty Tree Properties!
If you’re looking for a place where every month holds a new adventure, start planning your visit to Asheville. Check out available Asheville accommodations and travel tips with Mighty Tree Properties. We’ll help you make the most of each festival, no matter the season, with the rich place to call home. Reach out today for more information!