FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

It is almost impossible to set forth a schedule of year-round festivals, fairs, and events because new ones are always popping up in Asheville and surrounding towns. Despite the difficulty of the task—and because Applewood Manor guests deserve it—I have done it anyway. Here is my list (compiled from internet sources) of regularly scheduled annual events:

Spring Festivals

• Asheville Art in the Park (www.ashevilleartinthepark.com): Features handcrafted art like glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry, and metal. Held on three consecutive Saturdays in late June and early October at Pack Square Park.
• Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate (www.biltmore.com): From late March to mid-May, showcasing tulips, azaleas, and other flowers in Biltmore’s formal gardens and grounds.
• Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest (https://www.wnccheesetrail.com): Held in April at The Meadow of Highland Brewing, spotlighting cheese and other local foods. Enjoy pairings with beer, wine, and cider for an additional cost.
• Ramp Festival: Celebrating the odiferous wild onion, held the first Sunday in May at American Legion Field, Waynesville.

Summer Festivals

• Shindig on the Green (www.folkheritage.org): Traditional mountain music and dancing at Pack Square Park most Saturdays in July and August. Performances start at 7 PM; informal jam sessions begin an hour earlier.
• Mountain Dance and Folk Festival (www.folkheritage.org): The nation’s oldest folk festival, held the first weekend in August. Features Appalachian music, dancing, and storytelling at UNC-Asheville.
• Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (www.gmhg.org): Held in mid-July, celebrating Scottish Highland culture with music, dancing, and athletic events.
• Brevard Music Festival (www.brevardmusic.org): Runs from mid-June to early August at the Brevard Music Center. Features symphony concerts, chamber music, and operas.

Fall Festivals

• NC Mountain State Fair (www.mountainfair.org): Held for 10 days in early September at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.
• Dirty Dancing Festival (www.dirtydancingfestival.com): Mid-September event at Lake Lure, celebrating the iconic film with dancing, music, and festivities.
• Brewgrass Festival (www.brewgrassfestival.com): Held in early October at Salvage Station, featuring craft beers and live music.
• LEAF Festival (www.theleaf.com): Held twice a year (mid-May and mid-October) in Black Mountain, featuring music, crafts, and poetry in a Woodstock-like setting.

Holiday Events

• Christmas at Biltmore (www.biltmore.com): From late November to early January, see America’s largest home decked out in festive decor. Candlelight evenings offer a magical experience.
• National Gingerbread House Competition: Held at the Omni Grove Park Inn, showcasing stunning gingerbread creations from Thanksgiving to early January.
• Santa on the Chimney (https://www.romanticasheville.com): Watch Santa practice on Chimney Rock’s 315-foot monolith on the first two Saturdays in December.

Unique Cultural Festivals

• Goombay Festival: Celebrates African and Caribbean culture with music, dance, and food at Pack Place Park in late summer.
• Greek Festival (www.holytrinityasheville.com): Held the last weekend in September on the grounds of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, showcasing Greek food, music, and dance.
• HardLox Jewish Festival (www.hardloxjewishfestival.org): Mid-October celebration of Jewish culture and cuisine in Pack Square Park.
• Organicfest (www.organicfest.org): Late August celebration of organic food and living at Pack Square Park.