Your Ultimate WNC Weekend: Music, Nature & Fun for All Ages (July 25-27, 2025)

WNC -- July 25, 2025: Embrace the vibrant spirit of the mountains this weekend with a mix of exhilarating music, outdoor adventures, family-

friendly fun, and lively nightlife across Western North Carolina!

Friday, July 25th: Kick-off the Weekend!
Music & Nightlife:

Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop (Asheville)

Location: Asheville Music Hall - 31 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801; The One Stop - 55 College St, Asheville, NC 28801

Night: Late Night Grooves with Sneezy (Funk/Rock - Asheville Music Hall, 11:00 PM, Ages 21+), and Nick Gerlach's Cultet (Jazz/Funk - The One Stop, 10:00 PM, Ages 21+). Perfect for those looking to dance the night away.

Vibe: Medium to large venue, high energy, dedicated dance floors.

The Orange Peel (Asheville)

Location: 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Night: Shrek Rave (9:00 PM, Ages 18+). A unique, high-energy themed dance party for those seeking something different.

Vibe: Large, iconic venue, lively and immersive.

5 Walnut Wine Bar (Asheville)

Location: 5 Walnut St, Asheville, NC 28801

Night: Virginia and The Slims (Blues/Jazz - 8:00 PM). A classic Asheville spot for a more intimate and sophisticated evening.

Vibe: Small, cozy, perfect for conversation and live music appreciation.

Sweeten Creek Brewing (Asheville)

Location: 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Evening: Creative Differences Americana Music (Mike & Pat) (Americana/Folk/Country - 5:30 PM, FREE). Enjoy live music in their picnic area with Bear's BBQ and local brews.

Vibe: Relaxed outdoor brewery setting, family-friendly before sunset.

Fun & All Ages:

Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series (Asheville)

Location: Pritchard Park, 4 College St, Asheville, NC 28801 (Intersection of Patton Ave and College St)

Afternoon/Early Evening: Free, family-friendly fun with live music, hands-on science, hula hoops, and drum beats. (Starts 5:30 PM).

Vibe: Outdoor, open-air, community-focused, all ages welcome.

Asheville Tourists Baseball (Lewis McCormick Field, Asheville)

Location: 30 McCormick Field Rd, Asheville, NC 28801

Evening: Catch a game and enjoy classic ballpark entertainment. Great for all ages! (Game times vary, check schedule, typically 6:35 PM or 7:05 PM start).

Vibe: Large outdoor stadium, lively and fun for the whole family.

Hillbilly Jam (Maggie Valley)

Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3422 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Day & Evening: A lively festival featuring live music (Rock n' Roll, Country, Bluegrass), a car and bike show, food vendors, craft vendors, and appearances by cast members from the "Moonshiners" TV show. (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM). Admission: $10 per day, kids 10 and under FREE.

Vibe: Energetic, country-themed, unique, family-friendly, large outdoor event.

Saturday, July 26th: Adventure & Entertainment!
Outdoors & All Ages:

Top to Toe 5K (Downtown Spruce Pine)

Location: Begins near Chalk Mountain, finishes in downtown Spruce Pine, NC (Specific start line details typically provided upon registration).

Morning: Start your day with an adventurous point-to-point run descending from Chalk Mountain. (Registration opens early, Race begins at 9:00 AM).

Vibe: Active, scenic, community event.

Super Soaked Saturday (Transylvania County Parks & Recreation, Brevard)

Location: Transylvania County Parks & Recreation, 1078 Ecusta Rd, Brevard, NC 28712

Daytime: A fun water-themed event for all ages. (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM).

Vibe: Family-friendly, active, refreshing.

Grassy Creek Mineral And Gem Show (Parkway Volunteer Fire Department, Spruce Pine)

Location: Parkway Volunteer Fire Department, 1035 Grassy Creek Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Daytime: Explore a wide variety of minerals and gems. Some vendors may open early on Saturday. (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, FREE admission & parking).

Vibe: Unique, educational, for all ages, great for collectors and curious minds.

Music & Fun:

The Orange Peel (Asheville)

Location: 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Night: Big Something (Live Music - 9:00 PM, Ages 18+). High-energy rock/funk fusion.

Vibe: Large venue, dance-oriented, popular.

Asheville Music Hall & The One Stop (Asheville)

Location: Asheville Music Hall - 31 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801; The One Stop - 55 College St, Asheville, NC 28801

Daytime: Crawfish For A Cause & Asheville Music Hall Good People > Dark Bar Panic Pre-Party (Starts 12:00 PM, All Ages). A pre-party featuring multiple bands for Widespread Panic fans.

Night: Bloodkin (Asheville Music Hall, 11:00 PM, Ages 21+), and Photon Night Two (The One Stop, 10:00 PM, Ages 21+).

Vibe: Multi-stage venue, caters to different musical tastes.

Brevard Music Center Summer Music Festival (Brevard)

Location: Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium, Brevard Music Center, 349 W. Probart St, Brevard, NC 28712

Evening: Jurassic Park in Concert | Movie + Live Orchestra (8:30 PM). A truly unique and immersive cinematic and musical experience.

Vibe: Large, outdoor amphitheater, cultural, family-friendly.

Burntshirt Vineyards (Hendersonville)

Location: 2695 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Afternoon: Music at the Vineyard: LyriSmith (Acoustic Duo - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, FREE). Enjoy live music in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, great for adults.

Hendersonville Theatre (Hendersonville)

Location: 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Afternoon/Evening: Something Rotten! (Musical Theatre - Matinee 3:00 PM, Evening 7:30 PM). A hilarious Broadway musical.

Vibe: Indoor theatre, engaging, all ages, though some humor may be more for adults.

Hillbilly Jam (Maggie Valley)

Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3422 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Day & Evening: Continues from Friday with live music, car and bike show, food and craft vendors, and "Moonshiners" appearances. (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM). Admission: $10 per day, kids 10 and under FREE.

Vibe: Energetic, country-themed, unique, family-friendly, large outdoor event.

Sunday, July 27th: Relax & Explore!
Music & Leisure:

The Orange Peel (Asheville)

Location: 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Night: American Aquarium (Live Music - 7:00 PM). Roots rock/country.

Night: Kristina Murray (Live Music - 8:00 PM). Americana/Country.

Vibe: Large venue, popular for established bands.

185 King Street (Brevard)

Location: 185 King St, Brevard, NC 28712

Afternoon/Evening: Open Electric Jam ft. the King Street House Band (5:00 PM). A casual jam session where local musicians can join in.

Vibe: Small, local venue, supportive, community-oriented.

Flat Rock Playhouse (Flat Rock)

Location: 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731

Afternoon: The Play That Goes Wrong (Comedy Play - 2:00 PM). An award-winning comedy for a lighthearted afternoon.

Vibe: Professional regional theatre, entertaining for all ages.

Hilltop Event Center (Hendersonville)

Location: 1374 Hebron Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739

Afternoon: Babes on Broadway Drag Brunch (Doors 12:00 PM, Show 1:00 PM). A lively and entertaining drag show featuring Broadway hits with a food truck on site. (Tickets required).

Vibe: Energetic, vibrant, unique, best suited for older teens and adults.

Outdoors & Recreation (Tubing, Canoeing, Kayaking & More!):

French Broad River (Asheville Area)

Location: Various access points and outfitters along the French Broad River.

Activity: Tubing, Canoeing, Kayaking.

Times: Most outfitters operate daily from morning to late afternoon (e.g., 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

Recommendations:

French Broad Outfitters: https://frenchbroadoutfitters.com/ (Asheville) - Offers rentals for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and tubes.

Zen Tubing: https://zentubing.com/ (Asheville) - Specializes in tubing with easy access and shuttle services.

Asheville Adventure Company: https://ashevilleadventurecompany.com/ (Asheville) - Offers guided trips and rentals for kayaking and canoeing.

Vibe: Relaxing float, scenic views, suitable for various ages and skill levels depending on the river section.

Green River (near Saluda/Hendersonville)

Location: Access points typically near Saluda, NC, including the Green River Game Lands.

Activity: Tubing (lower section), Kayaking (various sections from beginner to advanced whitewater).

Recommendations:

Green River Adventures: https://greenriveradventures.com/ (Saluda) - Offers guided whitewater kayaking and waterfall rappelling. Also provides tube rentals for the mellower section of the Green River.

Vibe: Ranges from calm and family-friendly tubing to exhilarating whitewater kayaking.

Lake Lure (Lake Lure)

Location: Lake Lure, NC (various rental companies around the lake).

Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding (motorized boats also available).

Recommendations:

Lake Lure Adventure Company: https://lakelureadventurecompany.com/ - Offers rentals and guided tours.

Vibe: Calm lake waters, great for leisurely paddles, swimming, and enjoying mountain views.

Historic Old Fort Train Depot Museum (Old Fort)

Location: 5 Depot St, Old Fort, NC 28762

Afternoon: Explore railroad history. (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM).

Vibe: Educational, family-friendly, historical.

Blue Ridge Parkway & Hiking Trails (Throughout WNC)

Location: Access points widely available along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches across WNC. Popular trailheads include those near Asheville, Brevard, and Blowing Rock.

All Day: Take a scenic drive along "America's Favorite Drive" or explore one of the many free hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, such as the trails at Bent Creek Experimental Forest (near Asheville) or Black Balsam Knob (off the Parkway near Canton) for stunning views.

Vibe: Scenic, adventurous, customizable for all ages and fitness levels.

Botanical Gardens at Asheville (Asheville)

Location: 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804

Daytime: Stroll through 10 acres of native plants. (Typically dawn to dusk, FREE).

Vibe: Relaxing, educational, peaceful, good for all ages.

Notes for your guests:

Check ahead: Always confirm times, ticket prices, and any age restrictions directly with the venue or event organizer before planning your visit, as details can change. For water activities, also check river conditions and weather forecasts.

Parking: Be mindful of parking, especially in downtown Asheville where it can be limited. Public transportation, ride-sharing, or walking may be good options.

Weather: Western NC summers can be warm with afternoon thunderstorms. Dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions, especially for outdoor activities. For water activities, bring appropriate gear (swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, hat) and a dry bag for valuables.

Support Local: Enjoy the unique charm of Western North Carolina by patronizing local businesses, restaurants, and shops!

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