Summer is a wonderful time to vacation in Asheville, NC as there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking to swimming. In addition to mountains and fresh air, Asheville offers many summer events to keep you entertained. Make your trip even more special by adding some local summer events to your itinerary.
Asheville Summer Events in 2022
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a popular summer destination thanks to its breathtaking nature, historic charm, and vibrant arts scene. Check out the variety of summer 2022 events in Asheville, NC ranging from food and music to arts and culture. There’s truly something fun for everyone!
GRINDFest
Friday, May 27, 2022 to Monday, May 30, 2022
A free 4-day festival celebrating black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Enjoy music, live performances, food, local vendors, and community in the River Arts District.
Asheville Art in the Park
Saturdays June 4, 11, 25 from 10 AM – 5 PM
Browse fine arts and crafts from dozens of local artists at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville.
Hola Asheville
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 12 PM – 8 PM
A free one-day festival to experience the incredible music, art, and culture of Latin America. Journey through over 20 represented countries!
Downtown After Five
April – September 2022 Every Third Friday 5 PM – 9 PM
A free outdoor concert series in downtown Asheville where you can enjoy a variety of beer and local vendors while listening to great tunes. Admission is free but a $2 wristband is required to purchase beer, hard cider, and wine.
American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection
June 18 – September 5, 2022
Held at the Asheville Art Museum, this traveling exhibit showcases a wide array of folk artwork that demonstrates meaning in the makers’ worlds filtered through their own perceptions.
Chow Chow Asheville Food Festival
June 23-26, August 4-7, September 8-11
Three weekends of culinary events that provide a fun, delicious, and immersive experience of Southern Appalachia food and culture. The event series includes flights & bites tastings, five-course dinners, hands-on workshops, and more!
ArborEvenings
Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022
Sip and stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum’s gardens in the evening while listening to live music. Light food, beer, and wine are available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person.
Uncommon Market
Repeats every month on the 28 of August 1 times.
A pop-up market for antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and beyond in Asheville’s River Arts District. Free admission and parking; friendly dogs are welcome.
Downtown Asheville 4th of July Fireworks
Monday, July 4, 2022 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Day at Pack Square Park with music and watch the spectacular firework show at 9:30 PM. Bring your chair, blank, and picnic basket then settle in for a night of fun.
Shindig on the Green
June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & August 13, 2022 7:00 PM
A free outdoor mountain bluegrass music and dance festival that takes place throughout the summer in the heart of downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park.
The Big Crafty
Sunday, July 10, 2022 12 PM – 7 PM
An indie arts & craft show featuring 150 local artists inside the Harrahs Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville. Local food and beer are also available.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Thursday, July 21, 2022 to Sunday, July 24, 2022
Explore and shop traditional and contemporary fine art and craft directly from members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Located in Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville; admission is $10 and children under 12 enter for free.
Love Shine Play Yoga Festival
Thursday, July 28, 2022 to Sunday, July 31, 2022
A four-day event featuring workshops, kirtans, healthy food, outdoor excursions, yoga-related vendors, and more!
Mountain Dance & Folk Festival
Thursday, August 4, 2022 to Saturday, August 6, 2022
Since 1928, the Mountain Dance & Folk Festival has been showcasing authentic bluegrass music and dancing. Mountain fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, balladeers, and others join together to create unforgettable performances.
Asheville Comedy Festival
Thursday, August 11, 2022 to Saturday, August 13, 2022
Laugh at the largest stand-up comedy event in the southeast as 40 comics perform at multiple venues in Asheville. Single event tickets and combo passes are available.
LEAF Downtown AVL
Friday, August 19, 2022 to Saturday, August 20, 2022
A free international music festival with three stages of music, as well as food trucks and 90 local and artisan vendors.
Where to Stay in Asheville, NC
Now that you have a better idea of summer 2022 events happening in Asheville, NC, the next question is where to stay. Get the best of both worlds — nature and convenient location — by booking accommodations at RVC’s Mountain Springs Cabins. Choose from fully equipped cabins, comfortable yurts, and distinctive tiny homes complete with Blue Ridge Mountain views and numerous amenities. Book your stay now to experience the summer magic of Asheville!
