Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
The 57th season of Shindig on the Green, a free event in the heart of downtown Asheville with a stage show and informal jam sessions, takes place on Saturday evenings July 1 through August 26, 2023.
Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available! The remaining Shindig on the Green events will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and August 12, 19, 26, 2023.
The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.
Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Fable Wilde Day
Always an audience favorite, Twelfth Night returns to the MPP stage with all of the mistaken identity, love triangles and general wackiness you may already know and love!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
Montford Park Players allows patrons to bring their favorite food and beverages to their shows and sells beer, wine and concessions at the shows. If you’ve never been to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre for a Montford show, there’s no better season than this one. If you have been, you know why you should come back and catch everything we have to offer!
Join us this Saturday, July 1, for a spectacular Fireworks celebration! (sponsored by the Town of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain TDA). Adventure seekers and families can take in the beautiful show from the resort village, Play Yard slope, or Lodge at dusk. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and the whole family can come early for live music, inflatables, and games for all ages. Bring your friends and let’s make some magical memories!

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Big Band Concert Lakeside White Tent

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9-11 a.m. | Round Robin Tennis Tournament Outfitters Tennis Courts (Register online.)
9:15-9:45 p.m. | Floating Wish Lanterns on the Lake

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9 a.m. | Summer Worship Lakeside White Tent
7 p.m. | Concert with Darren Nicholson Band and Unspoken Tradition (Buy tickets online.) Stuart Auditorium

MONDAY, JULY 3, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Closest to the Pin Golf Competition Lake Junaluska Golf Course
8:30 a.m. | Morning Devotion by the Lake Harrell Center Porch
11 a.m. | Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla Contest (Register to participate.) Colonnade
12 p.m. | Judging for Decorated Porches Contest (Register to enter.)
7 p.m. | Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Ashley Calhoun followed by Singing Soldiers Concert Lakeside white tent
9:30 p.m. | Fireworks (Book the Fireworks Lake Cruise.)

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
11 a.m. | Parade (Register to enter.) North Lakeshore Drive
12-2 p.m. | Food Trucks & Family Fun on the Fourth
Picnic, Whitewater Bluegrass (live music), Family Square Dance & More Kid-Friendly Fun
Open-Air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.
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Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Post Game Kids Run the Bases presented by Ingles.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Big Band Concert Lakeside White Tent

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9-11 a.m. | Round Robin Tennis Tournament Outfitters Tennis Courts (Register online.)
9:15-9:45 p.m. | Floating Wish Lanterns on the Lake

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9 a.m. | Summer Worship Lakeside White Tent
7 p.m. | Concert with Darren Nicholson Band and Unspoken Tradition (Buy tickets online.) Stuart Auditorium

MONDAY, JULY 3, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Closest to the Pin Golf Competition Lake Junaluska Golf Course
8:30 a.m. | Morning Devotion by the Lake Harrell Center Porch
11 a.m. | Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla Contest (Register to participate.) Colonnade
12 p.m. | Judging for Decorated Porches Contest (Register to enter.)
7 p.m. | Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Ashley Calhoun followed by Singing Soldiers Concert Lakeside white tent
9:30 p.m. | Fireworks (Book the Fireworks Lake Cruise.)

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
11 a.m. | Parade (Register to enter.) North Lakeshore Drive
12-2 p.m. | Food Trucks & Family Fun on the Fourth
Picnic, Whitewater Bluegrass (live music), Family Square Dance & More Kid-Friendly Fun
Open-Air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Post Game Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show presented by Raumedic!
Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a gentle, mindful stroll along the French Broad River as the sun sets and the full moon rises. This is a unique opportunity to unplug in a peaceful setting with a series of invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide that invite you to connect more deeply to the environment around you. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our relationship with nature, community and Self. We’ll end with a tea ceremony featuring a foraged infusion of local plants. 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 nature.
Limited to 15 participants for a more intimate experience.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Big Band Concert Lakeside White Tent

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9-11 a.m. | Round Robin Tennis Tournament Outfitters Tennis Courts (Register online.)
9:15-9:45 p.m. | Floating Wish Lanterns on the Lake

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9 a.m. | Summer Worship Lakeside White Tent
7 p.m. | Concert with Darren Nicholson Band and Unspoken Tradition (Buy tickets online.) Stuart Auditorium

MONDAY, JULY 3, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Closest to the Pin Golf Competition Lake Junaluska Golf Course
8:30 a.m. | Morning Devotion by the Lake Harrell Center Porch
11 a.m. | Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla Contest (Register to participate.) Colonnade
12 p.m. | Judging for Decorated Porches Contest (Register to enter.)
7 p.m. | Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Ashley Calhoun followed by Singing Soldiers Concert Lakeside white tent
9:30 p.m. | Fireworks (Book the Fireworks Lake Cruise.)

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
11 a.m. | Parade (Register to enter.) North Lakeshore Drive
12-2 p.m. | Food Trucks & Family Fun on the Fourth
Picnic, Whitewater Bluegrass (live music), Family Square Dance & More Kid-Friendly Fun
Open-Air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
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LEARN MORE THIS YEAR |
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Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
Start your 4th off on the right foot with this fun, fast and flat 5k.
Included in registration is a race t-shirt, professionally chip timed race, commemorative bib and for those 21 and up a free beer from Wicked Weed Brewing!
Start your celebration off with a BANG!
Asheville Independence Day Races!
Start/Finish at the Carrier Park Velodrome.
Fun, fast and flat courses.
Bring your family & friends to join us for a fun, fast & flat run!
Choose from the 5k the Firecracker Loop fun run for kids and/or the Wicked Beer Mile for 21 and up.
Event Schedule
Monday, July 3rd
4:00-6:00 pm ~Early Packet Pick Up/On-site Registration
~ Jus’ Running, 523 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC
Tuesday, July 4th
7:00- 8:00 am ~ Race Day Packet Pick Up – Carrier Park
7:30 am On-line registration for the 5k closes
8:00 am ~ 5k Race Start
8:05 am ~ Firecracker Loop starts
9:00 am ~ 5k Awards
9:30 am ~ Wicked Beer Mile starts
Start your holiday off with a BANG!

A morning of fun events to start off your 4th of July holiday! Gather your friends and family to join us for a fast, flat 5k.
Or
Introduce the little ones to racing with our Firecracker loop!
Or
Start the party early with the Wicked Beer Mile, an official timed beer mile. 4 beers, 1 mile.
(Strollers and friendly dogs are welcome at the 5k and kids races but NOT at the beer mile)
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Bryson City Freedom Fest: 10 a.m. downtown. Arts, crafts, food. Music at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Go rafting or tubing nearby. Kids area at Riverfront Park with bounce house, slide, monster truck combo, obstacle course. $5 wristband for all-day play.
he Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association is proud to sponsor this year’s parade, which guarantees to be a highlight of the summer season.
The 4th of July parade will kick off at 10:30 AM, with parade entries lining up at 9:00 – 9:30 AM on Main Street, south of Caswell. We encourage all participants to visit the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association website for additional information and parade entry applications at www.nchmba.com.
To ensure a smooth event experience, no parking will be allowed along the parade route on Main Street after 6:00 AM. Main Street will be closed at approximately 9:00 AM, with the avenues remaining open until 15 minutes before the parade begins. We appreciate the community’s cooperation in adhering to these closures, which will help create a safe and fun environment for all attendees. Nearby paid parking is available in the City’s parking deck at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church with more information available at www.hvlnc.gov/parking.
While normally we understand Downtown is pet friendly, we kindly ask that parade attendees leave their furry friends safely and comfortably at home. This will ensure the well-being and comfort of all participants during the parade. The same request applies to the July 4th Celebration Concert and festivities, which take place later in the day.
To view a map with street closures, please see the Independence Day Parade Map.
Downtown Waynesville will have the traditional Kids Parade at 11:00am and conclude with a patriotic concert by the Haywood Community Band at 2:00PM. Registration for the parade begins at 10:00AM Kids are invited to the Court House lawn to decorate bicycles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards , wagons and strollers for the patriotic parade along Main Street that ends with an ice cream social at the First Baptist Church. Face painting, special characters, kids activities, live music and entertainment.
No fireworks in downtown Waynesville, but see them nearby in Maggie Valley and Lake Junaluska.
🇺🇸 Tomorrow is the day! 🇺🇸
Join us on the mountain for some delicious wines, jams from The Showboat Band, and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs! 🍔🌭🍷
Entry and parking are free – come ready to enjoy the day and celebrate with us!
OPEN 12-9pm
Music from 2:30-5:30pm
#pointlookoutvineyards #ncwines #hendersonvillenc #livemusicnc #fourthofjulync
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.
Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Know Before You Go
- Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
- Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
- Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
- COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
- At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the Brevard Symphonic Winds joined by the Seraph Brass as they perform inspirational American music, traditional Sousa marches, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with the sounds of live cannon!
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Symphonic Winds
Kraig Alan Williams, conductor
Seraph Brass
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY 1812 Overture
Program to include traditional patriotic favorites
Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
Mars Hill July 4th Celebration: 3 p.m. on Athletic Street, in and around football stadium. Music, food trucks, inflatables, trackless train ride. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
July 4th- Summer Water Party
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department is asking you to join us at the Sledding Hill for a Summer Water Party featuring a Giant Slip-N-Slide and water guns (this event is weather dependent). For more information call the Buckeye Recreation Center at 828-387-3003.
Brick Oven Pizzeria- Family Fun Night- Special Event
4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Please join us at the Brick Oven Pizzeria for Family Fun Night with live music (starts at 5:30 PM) by the Adam Church & Bounce House.. The event is free and and food and beverage is available for purchase. (This is an outdoor event and is weather dependent). Please call for more information 828-387-4000.
Beech Mountain Resort- Fourth of July Celebration with Live Music from Sam Collie & The Roustabouts
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Our favorite day of the year is finally here, and we want to share it with all of you! Join us on Tuesday, July 4 at 5:00 p.m. for a family-friendly celebration at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Sit by one of our many fire-pits and enjoy live music from Sam Collie & The Roustabouts. This event is free and open to all ages. Bring the kids; we’ve got complimentary s’mores, inflatables, and games. Food, ice cream, and drinks are available for purchase.
The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Tuesday, July 4. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza.
ULTIMATE AIR DOGS
The fun-filled day starts off with crowd favorite The Ultimate Air Dogs. Watch as the talented pups fly off the dock in a competition to see who can jump the furthest. Competitions take place at 1pm and 3pm. Think your dog has what it takes? No experience is necessary and your dog can jump too. Pre-registration is required to jump. Find more information here.
**Pets are only allowed in the Air Dogs area and not throughout the rest of the event. This is a City of Asheville ordinance.
LIVE MUSIC
4:30-5:15 Phantom Panton
5:30-6:15 Hit Dogs
7:00-9:00 Red Clay Revival
EATS & DRINKS
Food and beverage sales open at 5pm. Brews from locals Sierra Nevada, French Broad Brewing, Flat Rock Cider Company, as well as brews from Lagunitas, Sam Adams, Foothills Brewing, and wine from Noble Vines will be available for purchase. Water and other drinks will also be available for purchase.

Come out on July 4th for a family-friendly celebration of our nation’s birthday, which includes inflatables, kid’s games, and activities, food trucks, and 2 stages featuring live music. Concerts are at the Hendersonville Welcome Center Parking Lot & Historic Courthouse Square. At either concert location, you are encouraged to bring a chair and sit back, relax and enjoy the music, followed by the fireworks display. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks and coolers are prohibited. Admission is free.
Concert Schedule:
5:00 pm – Lonesone Road Band performs – Historic Courthouse Square
7:00 pm – Junior Appalachian Music (JAM) Program performs – Welcome Center Stage
7:00 pm – Hightop Mountain Harmony performs – Historic Courthouse Square
8:00 pm – Hendersonville Symphony Brass Ensemble performs – Welcome Center Stage
9:00 pm – Fireworks display (shortly after dark)
Sylva July 4: 5-10 p.m. in downtown Sylva. Music at 6:30 p.m. in Bridge Park, fireworks about 9:45 p.m.









