This Weekend in WNC: A Vibrant Summer Celebration

WNC -- August 1, 2025:  As the peak of summer descends upon Western North Carolina, the mountains and valleys are buzzing with an exciting array of events this weekend, August 1st through 3rd.

Whether you're drawn to the vibrant arts scene of Asheville or the serene charm of the High Country, there's a unique experience waiting for every taste. From time-honored traditions to cutting-edge performances, our region truly comes alive with opportunities to connect with local culture, artistry, and the stunning natural landscape.

Asheville Area
Friday, August 1st, 2025

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival: Immerse yourself in Appalachian heritage at the nation's longest-running folk festival, featuring ballad singers, string bands, and traditional dancers.

Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Asheville High School Auditorium (419 McDowell St, Asheville)

17th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival: Enjoy an evening of laughter with nationally touring comedians and rising stars, including Ben Bailey, Jessica Michelle Singleton, and Eleanore Kerrigan.

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Location: Diana Wortham Theatre (18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville)

Where the Waters Fell – Community Photo Exhibition: A poignant multimedia exhibition featuring photography, storytelling, music, and conversation, reflecting on the community's response to past floods.

Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: 20 Oak Street, Asheville

Downtown Asheville Gallery Walk: Stroll through downtown's art district as galleries open their doors, showcasing new works and local artists.

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Various galleries in Downtown Asheville

Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair: The 69th annual fair displaying exquisite handcrafted art from the region.

Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Burnsville Town Square (101 Town Sq, Burnsville)

Grassy Creek Gem and Mineral Show: Discover a world of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry from over 60 vendors, with opportunities to meet miners and artisans. This event continues through Sunday.

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Parkway Fire and Rescue event grounds (Spruce Pine)

FREE: Dead and Co. + Billy Strings Live Stream: Catch a free live stream of a popular music event.

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave, Asheville)

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Enjoy a classic theatrical performance under the stars.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Hazel Robinson Amphitheater (92 Gay St, Asheville)

Pete 'n' Keely: A captivating performance at the intimate BeBe Theatre.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: BeBe Theatre (20 Commerce St, Asheville)

Latin Night! | DJ MTN VIBEZ: Dance the night away with vibrant Latin music.

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Hemingway's Cuba (15 Page Ave, Asheville)

Don't Tell Comedy: An evening of secret-location comedy, promising unexpected laughs.

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: The Mule (131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville)

Flashback Friday: Enjoy a themed evening.

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Montford Rooftop Bar (199 Haywood St, Asheville)

STS9 with Beats Antique: An evening of dynamic music.

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Asheville Yards (342 Long Shoals Rd, Arden)

Warm Fuzzies: Live music and a relaxed atmosphere.

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: New Belgium Brewing (21 Craven St, Asheville)

Jason Whitaker: Live music performance.

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Asheville South (1001 Brevard Rd, Asheville)

The Tall Boys: Live music performance.

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Ginger's Revenge (829 Riverside Dr, Asheville)

Foreign Film Fridays: Enjoy an evening of international cinema.

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Flood Gallery (216 River Arts Pl, Asheville)

Slow Art Friday: Engage in mindful observation of art, fostering relaxation and connection.

Time: Not specified

Location: Asheville Art Museum (2 S Pack Square, Asheville)

Summer Flora ID: Explore and identify local plant life.

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: The North Carolina Arboretum (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville)

Blue Ridge Drag Bingo: "Beach Party Bingo" Fundraiser: A fun and lively bingo event supporting a good cause. (21+)

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Hilltop Event Center (21 Restaurant Ct, Asheville)

Period Nirvana Grand Opening Celebration: Celebrate the opening of a unique menstrual product store and museum.

Time: Not specified

Location: 315 Haywood Road, Asheville

Art After Dark Market: Explore a unique evening market.

Time: Not specified

Location: rEvolve (location not specified, likely in Asheville)

Dark Market: Asheville's Celebration of Lammas: Explore a unique market celebrating the Lammas holiday.

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Highland Brewing (12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville)

Saturday, August 2nd, 2025

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival: Continues for its second night of Appalachian cultural celebration.

Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Asheville High School Auditorium (419 McDowell St, Asheville)

17th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival: Another night of top-tier comedy.

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Location: Diana Wortham Theatre (18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville)

Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair: Final day to explore handcrafted art.

Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Burnsville Town Square (101 Town Sq, Burnsville)

Grassy Creek Gem and Mineral Show: Second day to explore gems and minerals.

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Parkway Fire and Rescue event grounds (Spruce Pine)

STS9 with Emancipator: An evening of dynamic music.

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Asheville Yards (342 Long Shoals Rd, Arden)

The Asheville Magic Experience: A captivating magic show for all ages.

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: The Low Down (305 Haywood Rd, Asheville)

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Catch another performance of this beloved play.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Hazel Robinson Amphitheater (92 Gay St, Asheville)

Pete 'n' Keely: Final Saturday performance.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: BeBe Theatre (20 Commerce St, Asheville)

Saturday Night Live: An evening of entertainment.

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Hemingway's Cuba (15 Page Ave, Asheville)

Country Summer Series with Adrian Bundy and his Honky Tonk Hearts: Enjoy live country music.

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Wicked Weed (91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville)

Lazr Luvr: A lively performance at the Orange Peel.

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Orange Peel (101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville)

Grass Owls: Live music at Bear's Back Alley Bar.

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Bear's Back Alley Bar (135 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville)

Chamber Music of the Carolinas: Leipzig and Beyond: A classical music performance.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church (1438 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa)

Vandoliers: Life Behind Bars Tour: Live music from the touring band.

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave, Asheville)

Graciela Serena: An evening of musical artistry.

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Vintage Kava (164 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville)

Secret Headliner Comedy Show: Another chance for spontaneous comedy.

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Ginger's Revenge (829 Riverside Dr, Asheville)

The Witching Hour, dark and dirty comedy: A late-night comedy show.

Time: 10:00 PM

Location: DSSOLVR (63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville)

North Asheville Tailgate Market's 2025 Main Season: Fresh produce and local goods from area vendors.

Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: UNCA (1 University Heights, Asheville)

Ooh La La Curiosity Market: Explore a unique market featuring various goods.

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Pritchard Park (College St & Patton Ave, Asheville)

RAD Art Market Saturdays: Discover local art and craft in the vibrant River Arts District.

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: River Arts District, Asheville (various studios and shops)

High August Swashbuckle - A Pirate Party: Embrace your inner pirate at this themed event.

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: The Mule (131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville)

Fall Vegetable Seed Starting Workshop: Learn how to start your fall garden.

Time: Not specified

Location: Fifth Season Gardening Co. (1070 Tunnel Rd, Asheville)

Member-Exclusive: Frances Mulhall Achilles Art Library: Access to a special art library for members.

Time: Various times (also Sunday)

Location: Asheville Art Museum (2 S Pack Square, Asheville)

Project WET: An educational program focused on water education.

Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Location: The North Carolina Arboretum (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville)

Goat Yoga: A delightful and unique yoga experience.

Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Wilde Dairy Farm (location not specified, likely near Asheville)

Music Bingo with Spencer!: Enjoy a fun night of music bingo.

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Highland Brewing Co. (12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville)

Asheville Back to School Craft and Vendor Market: Gear up for the new school year with local vendors, school supplies, and treats.

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Tanger Outlets Asheville (800 Brevard Road, Asheville)

Asheville Spartan Race: Participate in an obstacle course race.

Time: Various start times, beginning at 7:00 AM for Elite.

Location: Tryon International Equestrian Center (4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC)

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025

Grassy Creek Gem and Mineral Show: Final day of the show.

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Parkway Fire and Rescue event grounds (Spruce Pine)

Improvised Star Trek: An unscripted Star Trek-themed play.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: North Carolina Stage Company (15 Stage Ln, Asheville)

Pete 'n' Keely: Final performance of the play.

Time: 2:30 PM

Location: BeBe Theatre (20 Commerce St, Asheville)

Jazz Jam Sundays: A relaxing afternoon of jazz.

Time: 2:30 PM

Location: Ginger's Revenge (829 Riverside Dr, Asheville)

Mr. Jimmy's BBQ Blues Jam: Enjoy live blues music with BBQ.

Time: Not specified

Location: Bear's Back Alley Bar (135 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville)

Louis CK: Ridiculous: A stand-up comedy performance.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (87 Haywood St, Asheville)

Songs I Sent You - Album Release Concert: Celebrate an album release with live music.

Time: Not specified

Location: Devil's Foot Beverage (130 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville)

South Slope Sunday Market: Explore a Sunday market in the South Slope district.

Time: Not specified

Location: The Whale (507 Haywood Rd, Asheville)

NASCAR Sunday's: Watch the race with fellow enthusiasts.

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Eda's Hide-a-Way (1338 Patton Ave, Asheville)

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia: Test your knowledge at this fun trivia event.

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: DSSOLVR (63 N Lexington Ave, Asheville)

Historic St. Matthias Church Concert Series: Enjoy a concert in a historic setting.

Time: Not specified

Location: Historic St. Matthias Church (335 McDowell St, Asheville)

Asheville Back to School Craft and Vendor Market: Final day of the market.

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Tanger Outlets Asheville (800 Brevard Road, Asheville)

Asheville Spartan Race: Second day of the obstacle course race.

Time: Various start times

Location: Tryon International Equestrian Center (4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC)

High Country (Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, etc.)
Friday, August 1st, 2025

Horn In The West Outdoor Drama: Experience a Revolutionary War outdoor drama under the stars.

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Hickory Ridge History Museum (591 Horn in the West Dr, Boone)

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show - Hunter/Jumper Division: Witness skilled equestrians in competition.

Time: Various times (continues until Saturday)

Location: Broyhill Equestrian Preserve (1500 Laurel Ln, Blowing Rock)

Day Out With Thomas: A popular event for train enthusiasts and families.

Time: Various times (continues through Sunday)

Location: Tweetsie Railroad (300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock)

You Pick Flowers at Springhouse Farm: Enjoy picking your own fresh flowers.

Time: Various times (continues daily)

Location: Springhouse Farm (1483 Old Salisbury Rd, Vilas)

Music in the Valle: Enjoy live music in a beautiful setting.

Time: Not specified

Location: Valle Crucis Community Park (2892 Broadstone Rd, Valle Crucis)

Summer Concerts at the Jones House: A free outdoor concert featuring Noan Partly + Lazybirds.

Time: 5:00 PM

Location: The Jones House (604 W King St, Boone)

Baby Goat Yoga at Apple Hill Farm: A delightful and unique yoga experience.

Time: Various times

Location: Apple Hill Farm (400 Apple Hill Rd, Banner Elk)

Beech Mountain Farmers Market: Find fresh, local produce and goods.

Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: Public Parking Lot across from Fred's General Mercantile (1000 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain)

Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike: Experience Grandfather Mountain as dusk settles.

Time: Not specified

Location: Grandfather Mountain (2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville)

Tunes on Tap: Enjoy live music at a local brewery.

Time: Various times

Location: Booneshine Brewing Company (465 Industrial Park Dr, Boone)

First Friday Art Crawl: Explore downtown Boone's vibrant art scene.

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Downtown Boone (various galleries and shops)

Wildlife Presentation: Learn about local wildlife with animal ambassadors.

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: Tate-Evans Park (S Main St, Banner Elk)

Backstreet Park Concert: Enjoy live music in West Jefferson, featuring Wild Mountain Magic.

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Backstreet Park (Downtown West Jefferson)

Family Fun Night: Live music (5:30 PM - 8:45 PM), a bounce house (4:00 PM - 7:30 PM), and outdoor movies (8:45 PM) for the whole family.

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria (1735 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain)

Fly Around Music & Arts Festival: A festival celebrating music and arts.

Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts (1665 S US Hwy 221, Lansing)

80s Flashback Weekend: Step back in time with a themed weekend in Franklin.

Time: Various times (continues Saturday)

Location: Downtown Franklin (various locations)

CycleNC Mountain Ride: A scenic cycling event.

Time: Various times (continues through Sunday)

Location: Bridge Park – Sylva (76 Railroad Ave, Sylva)

Groovin on the Green: Live music and good vibes in Cashiers.

Time: Not specified

Location: Village Green in Cashiers (Highway 64 W, Cashiers)

Saturday, August 2nd, 2025

Horn In The West Outdoor Drama: Second night of the historical drama.

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Hickory Ridge History Museum (591 Horn in the West Dr, Boone)

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show - Hunter/Jumper Division: Final day of the horse show.

Time: Various times

Location: Broyhill Equestrian Preserve (1500 Laurel Ln, Blowing Rock)

Day Out With Thomas: Continues for another day of train fun.

Time: Various times

Location: Tweetsie Railroad (300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock)

You Pick Flowers at Springhouse Farm: Another day to pick beautiful flowers.

Time: Various times

Location: Springhouse Farm (1483 Old Salisbury Rd, Vilas)

Fly Around Music & Arts Festival: Continues with a full day of music and art.

Time: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts (1665 S US Hwy 221, Lansing)

80s Flashback Weekend: Last day to enjoy the 80s themed festivities.

Time: Various times

Location: Downtown Franklin (various locations)

Art on the Greene: A showcase of handcrafted arts and crafts from regional and national artisans.

Time: Various times (also Sunday)

Location: Historic Banner Elk School (1851 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk)

Ashe County Farmers Market: Fresh and local produce available.

Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Backstreet, Downtown West Jefferson

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025

Day Out With Thomas: Final day for this popular train event.

Time: Various times

Location: Tweetsie Railroad (300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock)

You Pick Flowers at Springhouse Farm: Enjoy one last day of flower picking.

Time: Various times

Location: Springhouse Farm (1483 Old Salisbury Rd, Vilas)

Art on the Greene: Final day of the artisan craft show.

Time: Various times

Location: Historic Banner Elk School (1851 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk)

Boone Gran Fondo Cycling Event: A scenic and challenging cycling event through the Boone area.

Time: Not specified

Location: Boone (various routes)

This weekend presents a wonderful tapestry of opportunities to engage with the vibrant spirit of Western North Carolina. From the artistic expressions in Asheville to the natural beauty and community gatherings in the High Country, there's a chance to create lasting memories. We encourage you to explore these offerings and discover the unique charm that makes our region so special.

(Note: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, event times and details can sometimes change.)

WNCTimes

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