Festival Season in Asheville

Although it’s not official for another few weeks, the Memorial Day holiday weekend generally signifies the beginning of summer. In Asheville, that means it’s the start of festival season, and this year is no exception. The Residences at Biltmore has compiled a list of festivals in Asheville and surrounding areas for your long weekend, and we can provide the lodgings, too!

Fun in the Streets

Festival of the Arts

Local and national artists will converge around the Vance Memorial on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sell their wares at The Downtown Asheville Memorial Day Weekend Festival of the Arts. Works of all mediums will be featured, as well as food and music. Admission is free.

Garden Jubilee

Downtown Hendersonville is hosting its 26th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city’s Main Street will be transformed into a gardener’s and landscaper’s delight, with more than 260 vendors of vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, plants, and gardening accessories.

Lake Lure Spring Arts & Crafts Festival And Exhibition

Drive a little bit south to Lake Lure for its annual festival Saturday through Monday beginning at 10 a.m. each day. The free festival will feature more than 90 artists’ booths and plenty of food vendors, as well as activities for the kids and entertainment. The event is free.

16th Annual White Squirrel Festival

Brevard is the home of numerous white squirrels, and you just might see one or two if you journey to this festival Friday through Sunday downtown. The free event showcases national and regional musical artists, and features food and crafts vendors, a 5K run, and a parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Fermentation Festival

If you love beer, you’ve got to check out the Fermentation Festival at White Labs Kitchen & Tap on Sunday from 2-7 p.m. The fest will feature hands-on demonstrations, product samples, items for sale, kids activities, and special collaboration beers and ciders on tap. Tickets are $15.

33rd Annual Folk Music Festival

The Carl Sandburg Home in nearby Flat Rock is host to regional folk music artists on Memorial Day beginning at 11 a.m. Parking lots at the house fill quickly, so visitors are invited to park at the Flat Rock Playhouse and Flat Rock VIllage Offices to take a courtesy shuttle to the property. The music is free, and guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.

Farther down the road…

Beer City Festival

The 10th annual celebration of Asheville’s favorite beverage will take place June 1 from noon to 5 p.m. at Roger McGuire Park. Pouring stations will be set up in vans to showcase some of the summer seasonal beers brewed by local breweries. The festival coincides with Asheville Beer Week events, and will feature food and live music. Tickets are $55 on the day of the festival, and include unlimited 5 oz pours from participating breweries.

Asheville Vegan Fest

Celebrate the meat-free life at the 6th annual event on June 9 at Pack Square Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vegan Fest features vegan food, beer, clothing, and lifestyle vendors, as well as speakers and musicians. The event is free and hosted by Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

Call for more information, 1-888-786-3648