Festival and Events

Jan – Dec 14 : monthly auction of estate & consigned quality merchandise on the 2nd Thursday each month at 6:00pm, Waynesville, 828-456-2815.

March -Nov.  JAZZ SERIES: dedicated to excellence in straight-ahead jazz, a distinctly American national treasure, honoring the diverse ethnic origins of this art form, Sunday night preformances once a month at Diana Wortham theatre at Park Place, Asheville.

May – July THE ORANGE PEEL: preformances change often, you might catch a show on Tuesdays-Saturdays, or you might not, but if you hit it right you won’t be disappointed, Asheville.

May – Sept DOWNTOWN AFTER FIVE: Every 3rd Friday of the month, live music, beer, soft drinks & food on the square downtown.

May -Oct FIRST FRIDAY@FIVE: many of the River District's art studios and galleries will open their doors from 5 to 8pm on the first Friday of each month, most studios will serve refreshments.

May - Dec, first Friday of each month ART AFTER DARK: more than a dozen fine galleries & studios, offering demonstrations, special showings, refreshments & music 6-9pm, Main Street and Historic Frog Level at downtown Waynesville, 828-456-3517.

May - June STONELEAF THEATRE FESTIVAL: a diverse array of NC theatre companies performing in downtown Asheville and at the Folk Art Center.

May, July, Aug, & Sept  WINERY’S SUMMER HOLIDAY WEEKENDS: soak up sun while listening to live music from local bands, and then cool off with complimentary wine seminars and wine tasting. For tips on how to incorporate fresh flavors into your summer cuisine, sit in on our fun-filled cooking demonstrations.

June 10th BLUFF MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL: enjoy a day of bluegrass, dancing and a silet auction in Hot Springs.

June 10-11 & Nov 11-12 RIVER ARTS DISTRICT STUDIO STROLL: a vibrant community of artists along Asheville's French Broad River open their studios for the weekend, giving the public an opportunity to purchase unique art, observe works in progress, and meet the artists, 10:00am-6:00pm Clingman Ave., Asheville.

June 21-Aug 6 THE BREVARD MUSIC FESTIVAL : seven weeks of a summer music series featuring over eighty concerts presented by young musicians, esteemed faculty and renowned guest artists.

June 24-25 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN TROUT, WILDLIFE & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: not the same old Trout Festival! This environmental and educational event features children's activities, live entertainment, crafts and a variety of food. A trout dinner is also served during the event. The festival includes a trout race, fly-casting, and numerous environmental programs geared toward youth. More than $1,500 in cash prizes is awarded to the trout race winners, 800-624-4431.

July 1-Sept 2 (except July 29th & Aug 5th) SHINDIG ON THE GREEN: bluegrass musicians and dancers assemble to entertain in downtown Asheville every Saturday at 7:00pm.

July 4th FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS: will be held at Maggie Vallely, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton & Clyde.

July 6-9 GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES: a celebration of Scotish dance, music & athletics, Linville NC.

July 8 & 9 MAGGIE VALLEY'S ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: hundreds of talented artisans from throughout the Southeast present a varied collection of arts and crafts for your shopping pleasure. Food vendors & music, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 9am-4pm

July 17-30 FOLKMOOT USA: a two week long international folk music and dance festival, venues held in various WNC comunities including Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley & Asheville.

July 20-23 & Oct 19-20 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CRAFT FAIR: Asheville Civic Center, exhibits and demonstrations of local crafter and music.

July 28-30 BELE CHERE: an annual event featuring live music, delicious food and local artisan wares.

August, select Fridays & Saturdays SUMMER EVENING CONCERTS: your favorite musicians perform on the South Terrace of Biltmore House, a stunning summer sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Past performers include Bruce Hornsby, Clint Black, Indigo Girls, Manhattan Transfer, Alison Krauss and Union Station.

Aug 3-5 MOUNTAIN DANCE & FOLK FESTIVAL: Diane Wortham Theatre, downtown Asheville, the oldest continuing celebration of traditional music and dance in the nation freaturing Southern Appalachian performers.

Aug 4-25 MOUNTAIN STREET DANCE: Friday evenings 6:30-9:00pm, enjoy traditional mountain music, clogging demonstrations, audience participation, and refreshments, Main Street in front of County Courthouse, Waynesville, 828-456-3517.

Aug 5-6 VILLAGE ART & CRAFT FAIR: held on the grounds of the Cathedral of all Souls in Biltmore Village, featuring 125 artists’ wares including jewlry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional are and more.

Aug 26 CLASS OF THE 70's: tremendous line-up of perfomers! Including Ambrosia, Gary Wright, Steven Bishiop & John Ford Coley, Eaglenest Entertainment Center in Maggie Valley, 828-926-9658.

Aug 25-27 GOOMBAY: African-Caribbean style festival featuring a variety of entertainment - drums, dancers, gospel, contemporary - and activities geared for families. Vendors offer everything from tempting ethnic foods to crafts from developing nations, corner of Eagle & Market Sts., Asheville.

Sept 1-2 SMOKY MT. FOLK FESTIVAL: this festival offers 2 nights of the finest traditional music and dance of the Southern Appalachian region, includes fiddlers, banjo players, string bands and square dancing teams, Lake Junaluska

Sept 8-17 NC MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR: WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher, 828-687-1414.

Sept 8- Oct 22 Fridays – Sundays HARVEST HOME CELEBRATION: our treasured Appalachian heritage takes center stage, the festivities celebrate a simpler time in local history when estate fairs were an annual tradition for the families that lived and worked at Biltmore. Enjoy special offerings across the estate, such as craft demonstrations, clogging and traditional dance, mountain music, storytelling, and children's crafts.

Sept 8- 22 Fridays and Saturdays WINERY’S JAZZ HARVEST WEEKENDS: The festivities continue at the winery as we commemorate the conclusion of the grape harvest with activities for the entire family. Enjoy live music, special winery tours, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, and our popular grape stomp.

Sept 25-Oct 2 HAYWOOD COUNTY FAIR: a traditional county fair with carnival rides and events, Lake Junaluska

Sept 29-30 WNC BBQ FESTIVAL BBQ COOK-OFF: live entertainment featuring John Love and Brent Burns. Arts & crafts, lumberjack shows, food vendors, and dessert contest, BBQ sauce contest, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

Oct 5-7 HIGH COUNTRY QUILTERS SHOW: held at the Maggie Valley Community Center.

Oct 21st NC APPLE FESTIVAL: downtown Waynesville turns into an apple lovers paradise.

Oct 28-29 MAGGIE VALLEY FALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: local and regional handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment, hourly raffles, food, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 9am -4pm.

Nov 9-12 ASHEVILLE FILM FESTIVAL: showcasing the works of independent filmmakers from across the nation. Venues held at various Asheville locations.

Nov 4- Jan 1, 07 BILMORE ESTATE CANDELIGHT CHRISTMAS

Nov 27 WAYNESVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE: Main Street, Waynesville.

Dec 2 MAGGIE VALLEY CHRISTMAS PARADE: floats, bands, choirs and local businesses parade through Maggie Valley, Mr.& Mrs. Claus kick off the holiday season, starts at 6:00pm at the Ghost Town parking lot to the Festival Grounds.

Dec 8-9 APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS: Junaluska Singers Christmas Concert, less than ten minutes from Timberwolf Creek, these singers are remarkably talented and you won't be disappointed.

Dec 31 ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL: bring in the New Year with Towne Square! There will be food, music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, at Towne Square in Waynesville.