WNC Entertainment: Summer is one of the best times to experience everything Western North Carolina has to offer. From mountain craft fairs and community festivals to farmers markets and family-friendly celebrations, there's no shortage of reasons to get outside and explore. Whether you're staying close to home or planning a scenic day trip, these events offer something for visitors and locals of all ages.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Harrah's Cherokee Center
87 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801
One of the Southeast's premier craft shows returns to downtown Asheville featuring more than 100 juried artisans from across the Southern Highlands. Browse handcrafted pottery, woodworking, jewelry, textiles, glass art, paintings, photography, and much more while meeting many of the artists in person.
Website: https://www.southernhighlandguild.org
Hi-Wire Brewing 13th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, July 18
Time: Noon – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Hi-Wire Brewing – River Arts District
284 Lyman Street
Asheville, NC 28801
This all-day celebration includes carnival games, food trucks, local vendors, family activities during the day, live music, and special anniversary events. Families are welcome throughout the daytime festivities before the evening entertainment begins.
Website: https://hiwirebrewing.com
All Jammed Up Festival
Saturday & Sunday
Time: Noon – 7:00 p.m.
Location: One World Brewing West
520 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Enjoy two days of live regional music, artisan vendors, food trucks, outdoor activities, and community fun. Bring lawn chairs and spend the afternoon enjoying local entertainment.
Mornings at the Museum
Friday
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Asheville Museum of Science
43 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Designed especially for younger children and families, this special morning program offers interactive exhibits, science activities, story time, and breakfast in a relaxed environment before the museum opens to the public.
Website: https://ashevillescience.org
Hendersonville Farmers Market
Saturday
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location:
650 Maple Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Spend the morning shopping for fresh mountain-grown produce, locally baked breads, flowers, honey, jams, handmade crafts, specialty foods, and artisan products while supporting local farmers and small businesses.
Haywood Historic Farmers Market
Saturday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Location:
250 Pigeon Street
Waynesville, NC 28786
This popular Saturday market features fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, locally raised meats, handcrafted gifts, and live music in a relaxed community setting.
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Saturday
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location:
110 Black Mountain Avenue
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Browse local produce, fresh flowers, artisan foods, handmade crafts, baked goods, and specialty products before exploring the unique shops and restaurants throughout downtown Black Mountain.
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
Open Daily
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location:
570 Brevard Road
Asheville, NC 28806
One of North Carolina's largest year-round farmers markets, featuring dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, baked goods, plants, jams, local crafts, and specialty foods.
Worth the Drive This Weekend
Brevard – Explore the charming downtown district, browse local shops and galleries, search for Brevard's famous white squirrels, and enjoy nearby waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Bryson City – Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, enjoy lunch downtown, browse local outfitters and gift shops, or spend the afternoon along the Tuckasegee River.
Cherokee – Experience Cherokee culture through museums, artisan shops, cultural demonstrations, and scenic drives leading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Franklin – Known as the Gem Capital of the World, Franklin offers family-friendly gem mining, downtown shopping, mountain scenery, and easy access to hiking trails.
Highlands – Escape the summer heat with cooler mountain temperatures while enjoying boutique shopping, waterfalls, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful mountain views.
Spruce Pine – Explore the area's thriving arts community, visit local galleries, discover gem mining opportunities, and enjoy a scenic drive along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.
Burnsville – Walk around the historic town square, browse local artisan shops, enjoy mountain dining, and take a short drive to Mount Mitchell State Park.
Marion & Old Fort – Discover one of Western North Carolina's fastest-growing outdoor recreation destinations with hiking trails, mountain biking, waterfalls, and a revitalized downtown filled with local businesses.
Saluda & Tryon – Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring historic downtown streets filled with galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and unique local businesses in two of the region's most charming small towns.
Plan Your Weekend
Western North Carolina offers something for everyone, whether you're searching for handcrafted Appalachian art, fresh local food, mountain festivals, scenic adventures, or a relaxing day exploring one of the region's many welcoming communities. Before heading out, check each venue or event organizer's website for the latest schedules, admission information, weather updates, and any special activities planned throughout the weekend.
.