Experience the Best of Asheville and Weaverville: A Guide to Seasonal Events
The beautiful communities of Asheville and Weaverville, nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, are rich in scenic beauty, as well as adventures (indoor and out), and dining. Throughout the year, these charming towns come alive with an almost innumerable amount of seasonal events that showcase the region’s rich culture, arts scene, and natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of seasonal events in the area, delve into the history behind some of the most beloved festivities, and highlight the top events to experience in each season. Asheville and Weaverville are renowned for their diverse array of seasonal events, offering something for everyone year-round. From blooming gardens and outdoor concerts to art festivals and holiday celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening in these bustling communities. Let’s dive into the calendar of events and discover the magic of each season in Asheville and Weaverville.
Spring Events
- Biltmore Blooms at the Biltmore Estate:
Biltmore Blooms is arguably one of Asheville and WNC’s most famous events during the Spring season. During the Biltmore Blooms event – which takes place starting around the end of March and goes to nearly the end of May, you can experience the stunning beauty of Spring at the historic Biltmore Estate. Acres of meticulously manicured gardens grow into bloom with vibrant flowers and blossoming trees. There’s even a weekly and monthly bloom report, to help you plan your visit.
Is the event pet friendly?
Yes! Dogs may accompany their humans if leashed on the Biltmore estate grounds, though not inside the Biltmore House. You can learn more about Biltmore’s pet policy here. - Asheville Herb Festival:
The Annual Spring Asheville Herb Festival is generally held in the Exhibition Hall at the WNC Agricultural Center, and offers a vast selection of herbs and herbal products, plants, and gardening supplies, as well as opportunities to attend educational workshops and culinary demonstrations. Vendors of local products arrive from across the Southeast during the event. You’re likely to find soaps, tinctures, oils, medicinals, herbs, heirlooms, exotic plants, and local and regional products. You can find a list of the current year’s vendors here.
Is the event pet-friendly?
The exhibition hall only allows leashed service animals. - Spring LEAF Retreat
“LEAF Global Arts is on a mission to connect cultures and create community through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance”. In the Spring, members of the Global LEAF organization can purchase tickets to the highly sought-after LEAF Retreat at Lake Eden near Black Mountain which offers a picturesque lakeside setting just a short drive from Asheville, NC.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Pets are not allowed at the LEAF festivals and events as of the current time.
- Weaverville Art Safari:
The Weaverville Art Safari stands as a pioneer among studio tours in the Asheville area. This self-guided event is open to all, providing an exclusive peek into the creative processes of various artists within their working spaces. From handmade pottery to photography, sculpture to jewelry, and beyond, the Safari showcases a diverse range of artistic mediums, offering visitors a captivating exploration of the local art scene.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Dogs are very welcome in Downtown Weaverville, and many shops permit dogs inside. Looking for somewhere to stay during the Safari? Book one of our pet-friendly properties in Downtown Weaverville, and you can step out your door, right into the event. - Asheville Beer Week:
Asheville has been heralded as the Beer City USA on more than one occasion, and for good reason: Asheville has one of the highest breweries per capita in the United States. But – these aren’t just any breweries. These are local, craft breweries with a penchant for creating not just brews, but also memorable experiences.
During Asheville Beer Week (which is actually lots of individual events) you can expect classic favorites like beer tastings, craft beverage dinner pairings, and enlightening panel discussions, alongside fresh opportunities for local philanthropy. 2024’s lineup spotlights the intersection of arts, craft, and innovation in Asheville, as well as the dynamic evolution of the beverage industry. This year includes the reintroduction of the Craft Beverage Expo and introducing educational seminars from the NC Craft Brewers Guild, along with a Tasting Experience. The Expo welcomes both industry insiders and the general public.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Many of the breweries participating in Asheville Beer week are pet-friendly, but be sure to check out the participating breweries online, and then check their pet policy before going.
Summer Events
- Downtown After 5 Concert Series:
Kick off the weekend with live music, food trucks, and local vendors at the Downtown After 5 concert series, held on the third Friday of each month from May to September in downtown Asheville. Downtown After 5 isn’t just a concert series, it’s a staple of the Asheville community that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville and the WNC area. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and partners, all of the Downtown After 5 Concerts are free to the public.Food and beverage vendors will be nearby, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit partners associated with each event. You can also peruse and shop handmade crafts and products from local makers.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Downtown After 5 concerts tend to be well-attended and the bustling environment can be stressful for pets, so there is a no-pets policy. - Asheville Yoga Festival:
Find your zen at the Asheville Yoga Festival, a four-day celebration of yoga, wellness, and community featuring yoga classes, workshops, meditation sessions, and holistic health practices. Since 2016, the LoveShinePlay yoga festival has welcomed yogis, artists, friends, and crafters to the heart of Downtown Asheville. During the four day event, you can expect; world-class presenters from across the country, health and wellness courses in venues throughout the city, evening concert, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, stand up paddle boarding on the French Broad, and a highly curated, beautiful Market with various unique health & wellness vendors and tasty treats.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Downtown Asheville is very pet-friendly, but individual events, concerts, and courses may vary. Check with the Festival admins for more details. - Weaverville Tailgate Market:
The Weaverville Tailgate Market is actually a year-round, weekly event taking place at the Weaverville Community Center on Wednesdays 3PM to 6PM. However, it deserves a special mention in the Summer section of this guide, because of the abundant fresh produce and products! At the Tailgate Market, you can support local farmers and artisans, shop for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and gourmet goodies while enjoying live music and family-friendly activities.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Leashed pets are welcome at the outdoor portion of the Weaverville Tailgate Market, and the surrounding area of Weaverville’s Lake Louise Park. - Shindig on the Green:
Experience the spirit of Appalachian music and dance at Shindig on the Green, a free outdoor concert series held on select Saturdays throughout the summer in downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park. The event has taken place annually since 1967, and always includes: long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys, bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, clog dancers, smooth dancer, ballad singers, and storytellers.
If you’re interested in other Folk events, check out the Folk Heritage Committee.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Shindig on the Green tends to be well-attended and the bustling environment can be stressful for pets, so there is a no-pets policy. - Weaverville’s Second Saturday Summer Music Series
During the Summer, catch the free Weaverville Summer Concert series located on Main Street’s Weaverville Nature Park Concert Stage! The Main Street Nature Park sits behind the Weaverville Town Hall, running alongside Main Street. Covering 10 acres, it welcomes the public every day. Parking spots are accessible at various locations, such as Pine Street, Main Street, or behind the Town Hall.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Yes! The park features a walking trail where dogs are allowed on leashes.
Book one of our pet-friendly accommodations in Downtown Weaverville, and step right into the Summer concert series!
- Music on Main in Weaverville
This open-air, one-night concert event takes place on South Main Street in front of Town Hall. Every year, Weaverville’s Music on Main features multiple music acts, and sell local food and beer, while sponsors line Main Street, and families can enjoy a dedicated activity zone with activities for kids. It is free and open to the public. This event is usually held on the 2nd Saturday in June. Folks are always encouraged to bring chairs, friends, kids, and their appetite. Music on Main is a rain or shine, good time. Dog-friendly, though dogs must be on a leash. Weaverville’s Music on Main – Visit Weaverville
Fall Events
- LEAF Global Arts Festival:
Nestled in the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains near Lake Eden and close to Black Mountain, the LEAF Global Arts Festival offers a picturesque lakeside setting just a short drive from Asheville, NC. At the festival, you can enjoy an eclectic blend of music from around the world, featuring diverse traditions such as African, Latin, Appalachian, Cajun, Celtic, Blues, and Bluegrass. Immerse yourself in three days of cultural celebration with four stages, a jam tent, healing arts, workshops, and the world’s longest-running poetry slam. Families can partake in kids’ adventures while attendees of all ages come together for the mountain drum circle. Many of the 12,000 festival-goers choose to camp on-site, fostering a vibrant community of lifelong connections.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Pets are not allowed at the LEAF festival as of the current time. - North Carolina Apple Festival & Other Fall Festivals:
2024 will mark the 76th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival. At the festival, you can savor the flavors of fall, indulge in apple-themed treats, browse artisanal crafts, and enjoy live music and entertainment in downtown Hendersonville.
The Annual Apple Festival is one of many Fall festivals throughout the Season. Explore Asheville and Romantic Asheville often have excellent listings of the available Festivals, their dates, and more details.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Check the individual website of each Fall festival for more info on their pet policies. - Asheville Oktoberfest:
Asheville’s Oktoberfest, dubbed “Little Germany,” blends Bavarian customs with Asheville’s eclectic atmosphere, providing an ideal occasion to celebrate the local beer culture. The ticketed festival takes place in October, and purchasing tickets in advance is advisable as they are likely to sell out. Attendees must be 21 and over to participate. At the event, you can explore a wide selection of beer and hard cider offerings from 20 breweries, many of which will showcase seasonal ales perfect for Oktoberfest. Available for pairing with be German fare like bratwurst, pretzels, and classic sides. For entertainment, the stage will feature upbeat yodeling tunes, lively shoe-slapping dances, and spirited Polka music. The beloved Oktoberfest Games include the Brezel Toss (pretzel toss), Stein Hissen (stein hoist), Staffellauf (relay race), and Fass Roll (Keg Roll). As always in Asheville, music will be abundant.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Oktoberfest tends to be well-attended and the bustling environment can be stressful for pets, so there is a no-pets policy. - Weaverville Art in Autumn:
Experience the beauty of fall foliage and local artistry at Weaverville Art in Autumn, a juried art show showcasing the work of regional artists against the backdrop of downtown Weaverville’s picturesque streets. The event showcases more than 100 carefully selected artists and craftspeople, accompanied by live music performances by well-loved local talents. Each year, the event welcomes a distinguished figure from the local art community to serve as the guest judge. In 2023, Cynthia Bringle, a renowned potter with teaching experience at esteemed institutions like the Penland School of Crafts, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and John C. Campbell Folk School served as guest judge.
Is the event pet-friendly?
Yes! Art is Autumn is outdoors and open to pets.
Book one of our pet-friendly accommodations in Downtown Weaverville, and step right into the Art in Autumn festival from your front door! - Asheville Food Truck Showdown:
Asheville’s culinary scene is notorious, and the rise of the food truck has only bolstered Asheville’s place in the limelight. Often in the Spring and the Fall, Asheville’s Food Truck community host a “showdown” where visitors can sample a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Food trucks from across the region compete for the title of “Best in Show” in categories ranging from savory to sweet. This event is newer, and dates may fluctuate. Check the Asheville and WNC Food Trucks Facebook page for updates!
Winter Events
- Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum:
Experience the enchanting displays of twinkling lights at Winter Lights, a holiday light show extravaganza featuring illuminated gardens, interactive displays, and festive entertainment at the North Carolina Arboretum. Winter Lights dazzles visitors with its breathtaking open-air walk-through light display, boasting over one million lights. The event’s festivities showcase beloved attractions such as the towering 50-foot illuminated tree and the Quilt Garden, alongside captivating new elements. Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Is the event pet-friendly?
While the Arboretum is pet friendly, specific events including Winter Lights are not for safety reasons. - Asheville Holiday Parade:
Kick off the holiday season with the Asheville Holiday Parade, a beloved tradition featuring festive floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and appearances by Santa Claus himself winding through downtown Asheville. The parade usually lasts about an hour and a half, and there are often parade after parties at various shops and restaurants, and photo opportunities with Santa.
Is the event pet-friendly?
The parade tends to be well-attended, and the environment can be stressful for pets. It’s recommended to leave them at home during the parade. - Weaverville Candlelight Stroll and Weaverville Holiday Parade:
The annual Weaverville Candlelight Stroll is a cherished local tradition, held on the first Friday evening in December. Step back in time and experience the magic of the holiday season. During the event, you can enjoy the light of hundreds of candles lining Main Street, musical performance and activities inside local businesses, enjoy holiday themed crafts and holiday scavenger hunts for the kids, enjoy a visit with Santa, pop into the local shops for seasonal refreshments, and hear holiday carols sung by members of the local schools. The following day, the Weaverville Holiday Parade takes place at 11:00 on Main Street. Holiday Parade – Town of Weaverville
Is the event pet-friendly?
The stroll is an outdoor activity where pets are welcome. Some shops may permit animals indoors while others may not, so having a companion who could wait outside with your pet(s) while you pop in for refreshments may be ideal.
Book one of our accommodations located in the heart of Downtown Weaverville to step right into the historic Candlelight stroll from your front door during your stay! - Asheville Holiday Market:
There are numerous Holiday markets throughout the Winter season, where visitors can shop for unique gifts and handcrafted treasures, and local artisans and vendors showcase their wares in a festive holiday market setting. Click here for a list of markets!
Is the event pet-friendly?
The various markets’ pet policies vary, so be sure to visit the individual website or social media pages of the markets. - Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade:
Experience the charm of a European-style holiday market at Winter Wonderland, held at the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, featuring artisanal crafts, seasonal treats, and live entertainment.
Is the event pet-friendly?
The Grove Arcade says “polite dogs” are welcome on-leash.
Year-Round Events
- Asheville Downtown Art Walk:
Explore Asheville’s vibrant arts scene during the Downtown Art Walk, held on the first Friday of each month, where galleries and studios open their doors to showcase the work of local artists. - The Weaverville Tailgate Market
The Weaverville Tailgate Market takes plat at the Weaverville Community Center on Wednesdays 3PM to 6PM. At the Tailgate Market, you can support local farmers and artisans, shop for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and gourmet goodies while enjoying live music and family-friendly activities. - Weaverville Dine Out:
Indulge in a culinary adventure at Weaverville Dine Out, a monthly event featuring special menus and promotions at participating restaurants in downtown Weaverville. - Asheville Urban Trail:
Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Asheville’s historic landmarks and public art installations along the Asheville Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile trail that offers insights into the city’s rich history and culture. - Asheville City Market:
Support local farmers and artisans at the Asheville City Market, a year-round farmers’ market offering a wide selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors. - Biltmore Estate Grounds & Gardens
Visit the historic Biltmore Estate Grounds and Gardens and explore the 10,000 acre estate. Annual Passholders can access the Grounds and Gardens as often as they like, and bring their furry friends along with them.
Experience the best of Asheville and Weaverville year-round by immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of seasonal events that showcase the region’s cultural heritage, artistic talent, and natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling through blooming gardens in the spring, enjoying outdoor concerts in the summer, savoring apple cider in the fall, or exploring holiday markets in the winter, there’s always something exciting to discover in these vibrant communities. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family (including the furry ones), and embark on a journey of discovery and celebration in Asheville and Weaverville!
Looking for accommodations in the Asheville and Weaverville areas? See all of our pet-friendly accommodations here.
