WNC -- As summer winds to a close, Western North Carolina is bustling with a wide variety of events, from large-scale festivals to intimate local gatherings. This guide compiles a comprehensive list of all the activities happening across the region during the last two weekends of August and over the Labor Day weekend.
Note: Event details are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Please check official event websites to confirm.
Asheville & Buncombe County
Festivals & Community: A free United for Youth Block Party will be held at Pack Square Park on Friday, August 22nd. The popular Shindig on the Green bluegrass festival continues its weekly summer run, and the Asheville Jazz Orchestra will perform a free Labor Day show on September 1st at Highland Brewing. Don't miss the weekly Drum Circle in downtown's Pritchard Park on Friday nights.
Music & Entertainment: The Orange Peel has a packed schedule, including BASK "The Turning" Album Release (August 22nd), Beth Stelling (August 23rd), and Sixpence None The Richer (August 25th).
Arts & Activities: The River Arts District (RAD) Sip & Stroll is an ongoing summer event, inviting visitors to explore open studios. For a unique experience, try Goat Yoga at Wilde Dairy Farm on August 23rd and 30th.
Sports: The Asheville Tourists Baseball team will have home games at McCormick Field, with their season running through the end of August.
Franklin (Macon County)
Music & Entertainment: Enjoy live music at Pickin' on the Square in downtown Franklin on Saturday, August 23rd, and Saturday, August 30th. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts will host a tribute show to Johnny Cash on Friday, August 22nd. Many local venues like Lazy Hiker Brewing and Currahee Brewing also host live music on weekends.
Arts & Activities: You can explore the Jackson Arts Market in downtown Sylva, or learn about the area's history and geology at the Macon County Historical Museum and the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum.
Outdoor Fun: The Franklin area is known as the "Gem Capital of the World," and many mines are open for gem mining. The weather is also perfect for exploring local hiking trails and waterfalls like Bust Your Butt Falls.
Sylva (Jackson County)
Music & Community: The popular free outdoor Concerts on the Creek series will have its last show of the season on Friday, August 29th, with a performance by the band Boukou Groove at Bridge Park.
Marshall (Madison County)
Music & Arts: The town’s vibrant arts and music scene will be on display. The International Play Music on the Porch Day will be held at various businesses on Saturday, August 30th. You can also catch live shows at The Depot on August 23rd and 30th. Local venues like Zadie's and Mad Co. Brew House will also have live performances.
Mitchell County
Festivals: The free NC Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine on Saturday, August 30th, is a celebration of river health and Appalachian biodiversity. You can also check for updates on Third Thursday's, a monthly street festival with music and vendors.
A Look Ahead: Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29 - Sept. 1)
The Labor Day weekend marks the climax of the summer event season with several major regional festivals.
NC Apple Festival (Hendersonville): A quintessential Labor Day event featuring a street fair and the famous King Apple Parade on Monday.
Canton Labor Day Festival (Canton): The oldest Labor Day celebration in the South, this festival includes a parade, a vintage car show, and live music with a performance by Craig Morgan.
Mile High Kite & Craft Festival (Beech Mountain): This high-elevation festival features kite flying, a craft fair, and a street dance.
Labor Day Celebration at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (Charlotte): While a bit further afield, this event offers concerts, a trail race, and various outdoor activities.
Hendersonville Races: The Tour d'Apple cycling event and the NC Apple Festival Races offer opportunities to stay active over the holiday weekend.
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