The Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival offers 90+ artisans, multiple food vendors, continuous entertainment and kids activities in Downtown Lake Lure.

The Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival offers 90+ artisans, multiple food vendors, continuous entertainment and kids activities in Downtown Lake Lure.

• May 30, 2022, will be the next festival. Follow us on social media or check back here for more details as we plan the 36th Carl Sandburg Music Festival in 2022.

The music festival began in 1987, to honor Carl Sandburg’s efforts to document the history of American music in his American Songbag. Carl Sandburg published the American Songbag in 1927 after spending years documenting and researching early American songs. As Sandburg said, “The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth. The melodies and verses presented here are from diverse regions, from varied human characters and communities, and each is sung differently in different places.” His publication does not focus on one genre of music, but rather on the human experience. “It is an All-American affair, marshalling the genius of thousands of original singing Americans.”

Sandburg enjoyed all American musical genres. He spent years interviewing musicians and singers, documenting their songs, including folk, gospel, jazz and blues. Carl Sandburg said, “the American Songbag comes from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women.”

Compiling and publishing the American Songbag was one of the most difficult writing projects Sandburg took on during his life. Today, the Carl Sandburg Music Festival celebrates his work and the work of modern singers and songwriters to share diverse and original American music.

Music Festival is supported by:
Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
America’s National Parks, the non-profit partner that operates the park store
A grant from the North Carolina Arts Council; administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.

What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 6.2.22. 8p-11p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or theorangepeel.net)
For More info: contact Michele at [email protected]
*** If time allows, there will be a (3m ea) comedy open mic after the show***
Stand up comedy featuring Kylie Vincent with special guest feature Andy Sanford with Tamar Rubin & Petey Smith McDowell. Hosted by Cody Hughes
Special guest: Andy Sandford is a comedian who got funny in Atlanta, moved to New York City, established himself as one if NY’s top tier comics and moved back to Atlanta in 2021 to record his latest album with 800lbs Gorilla Records. It’s called “Basket Case” and comes out June 10th. Andy has performed his jokes on Conan and The Late Late Show with James Corden. Andy’s debut album, Me the Whole Time; was one of Splitsider’s “9 Best Standup Albums of The Year.“ His hour special, “Shameful Information,” is currently featured on Amazon Prime. Sandford even played an animated version of himself on Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The Village Voice called him, “one of New York’s comedic gems;” a nice gesture, but not enough to keep him in New York. Andy is out of Atlanta now (sorry NY).
Kylie Vincent is a 22 year old stand-up, activist, and theater artist in New York City, currently traveling with her solo show BIRD and performing stand-up across the United States. New York audiences say Vincent is “a hilarious, thoughtful, badass” and BIRD is “honest, hilarious and tear jerking.” Vincent has sold out her solo show in Los Angeles (Lyric Hyperion Theatre), Austin (Fallout Theatre), & as a guest artist at LSU & Sewanee University. Other favorite credits include Adult Swim, NBC, Amsterdam Tour & headlining in Atlanta.
Host Cody Hughes is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.

Forest Bathing with Fireflies

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!

The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.

Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.

This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience. Prefer an exclusive experience? Private Firefly Tours are available Sun – Thurs May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.

Enjoy ASHEVILLE’S ABSOLUTE BEST ROAD RUNNING. Spectators, sponsors, hype, and incredible energy along with spectacular mountain views. WHERE: Participants will START and FINISH near downtown Asheville, but will run up and down the tree lined streets of North Asheville nearby the historic Omni Grove Park Inn and the Governor’s Western Residence. Course Description. ABOUT US: Brought to you by the same race organizers that bring you the Asheville Turkey Trot (now in its 20+ year) and the Shut-In Ridge Trail Run (now in its 40+ year). The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) permanently protects and stewards our region’s most beloved natural areas. Since 1974, over 80,000 acres of unique plant and animal habitat, clean water sources, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation have been permanently protected in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region. We value our local Western North Carolina community and are committed to giving back. A portion of our race proceeds go towards our charity partner for that year. For the inaugural Flying Squirrel Ten Miler we are proud to be supporting a Western North Carolina based non-profit who is helping to conserve the endangered Carolina Flying Squirrel. The Carolina Flying Squirrel is a subspecies of the Northern Flying Squirrel and requires high elevation habitat to thrive. Read more about the Carolina Flying Squirrel here: https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/mammals/carolina-northern-flying-squirrel/

Just Brew It is a homebrew competition and tasting in Asheville benefiting the work of Just Economics. The festival features close to 100 different beers and more than 40 amazing homebrewers. The competing homebrewers are some of the finest specialty homebrewers in the region with classic brews like your traditional IPAs, lagers, sours and stouts to unique beers brewed with specialty items like coffee, chocolate, spices and fruit.

To attend, you must be a current member of Just Economics. Just Economics members sample the homebrew and vote for their favorites alongside other homebrew judges as brewers compete for awards and prizes.

This is a local festival you won’t want to miss and your membership supports the work of Just Economics to advance living wages, affordable housing and better transit!

Forest Bathing with Fireflies

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!

The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.

Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.

This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience.

Prefer a more exclusive experience? Private Firefly Tours are available Sun-Thurs May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.

Forest Bathing with Fireflies

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!

The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.

Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.

This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience.

Prefer a more exclusive experience? Private Firefly Tours are available Sun-Thurs May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.

Join a group of like-minded female paddlers for a three-day paddle festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about fostering community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on different rivers representing a range of skill levels, and are open to all women in all watercraft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, and also benefits the Live Like Maria Fund.

2022 EVENT SCHEDULE

Schedule is subject to change and will be updated here.

If you love honey, beekeeping, saving our planet, and summer fun next to the French Broad River this event is for you.
Join the Center for Honeybee Research and Shanti Elixirs for Asheville’s First Annual Honey Festival at the Salvage Station on Sunday, June 5th from 12-5pm.

During this event the Center for Honeybee Research will also hold their 11th annual Black Jar International Honey Contest, with a grand prize of $5,500.00.

This will be a family friendly event with live music, vendors, non profit booths promoting the environment, pollinators and their habitats, and other important organizations supporting the world we live in.

Festival attendees will also be able to taste honey from all over the globe and watch the judges determine the “World’s Best Tasting Honey”.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic and Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co Game Room Comedy Show (must be 18+)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the areas best Standup Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Comedy Open Mic plus at least Three Professional featured performers.

Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]

For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

Thursdays in May 2022 7:30p-till, 18+, $12Doors 6:30p: [Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]

6/9 Hosted by Morgan Bost
Featuring: Becca Steinhoff, Moira Goree, Rigel Pawlak & Delise Nicholas

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic and Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co Game Room Comedy Show (must be 18+)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the areas best Standup Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Comedy Open Mic plus at least Three Professional featured performers.

Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]

For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

Thursdays in May 2022 7:30p-till, 18+, $12Doors 6:30p: [Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]

6/9 Hosted by Morgan Bost
Featuring: Becca Steinhoff, Moira Goree, Rigel Pawlak & Delise Nicholas

Forest Bathing with Fireflies

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!

The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll together through a peaceful forest, ending in an open meadow where we’ll settle in as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge all around us. Though we cannot guarantee a showing, we will also hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight.

Unplug in a peaceful, private setting with a series of nature connection invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our connection with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.

This special offering takes place on private property with group sizes limited to 15 for a more intimate experience.

Prefer a more exclusive experience? Private Firefly Tours are available Sun-Thurs May 29-June 12 with advanced notice.