Your Guide to the Best Late Summer and
Autumn Festivals in WNC
Experience Art, Culture + Food
It’s true that our inn is privy to a broad range of activities and adventures year-round, but did you know that Asheville, Waynesville, and the surrounding towns offer some of the southeast’s loveliest outdoor festivals? Why not sync your weekend getaway with a cultural experience? Below is a list of our favorite late summer and fall festivals!
Folkmoot International Day in Waynesville, NC, July 28
Watch Waynesville come alive during the annual globally-inspired street festival. You will be blown away by this Folkmoot-produced celebration of art, dance, music, and food! The festivities will run from 10am-5pm in downtown Waynesville!
LEAF Downtown, Asheville, NC, August 3 + 4
This free festival in the heart of downtown Asheville celebrates local and global communities, creativity, diversity, and families with immersive dance, music, and art experiences for all ages. Come to connect and create through community through music & arts.
Sourwood Festival, Black Mountain, NC, August 11 + 12
Named after the deliciously seasonal honey made from the flowers of the local Sourwood trees, this festival highlights Appalachian food, art, and culture. With over 30,000 expected guests, Sourwood Festival is one of the largest street celebrations in Western North Carolina!
Apple Festival, Hendersonville, NC, August 31- September 3
A true Western North Carolina experience! Come to one of the region’s largest and most popular street fairs for another celebration of the abundant, locally grown fruit! The whole town welcomes guests from around the world to celebrate all things apple and Appalachian culture!
Goombay in Asheville, NC, September 7 + 8
African-Caribbean food, music, dance, couture, and culture are fully celebrated at Goombay, a free weekend festival in downtown Asheville. The enchantment of West African drums, and live music spanning the genres of funk, soul, reggae, and gospel will keep you moving all weekend.
Art in Autumn in Weaverville, NC, September 15
This year’s Art in Autumn will feature 114 artist vendors, all of whom have been invited to display their work at the prestigious festival. Art will be voted on by a jury and winners will be awarded cash prizes. Weaverville is a destination in its own right, and the charming mountain town is well worth exploring, especially with such esteemed artwork on display!
North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival, Asheville, NC, September 22
Who doesn’t love vibrant, handcrafted dishware, tiles, mugs, and sculptures? Ceramic workers have a knack for making useful items an artistic expression. Western North Carolina is known for its rich clay, and the tradition of pottery and ceramics dates back to the times of the Cherokee people. Come on out to celebrate one of the region’s most notable artforms!
Forest Festival in Cradle of Forestry, NC, October 6
This region is known for its lush biodiversity and for the magic and mystique of the wilderness, so it’s only fitting that the forest should have its very own festival! Connect with stewards of the wild, and craftspeople like woodcarvers, weavers, and performers for a celebration of all things forest-related.
Church St. Art & Craft Show in Waynesville, NC, October 13
This lovely festival is just down the street from Oak Hill on Love Lane, in our hometown of Waynesville, and features some of the region’s finest artwork. Main Street becomes a busy marketplace and hub of culture. It’s not to be missed!
Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville, NC, October 20
Another hometown favorite, the Apple Harvest celebrates one of our beloved local crops. Come to enjoy apples in many forms- as pie, cider, jam, and in its raw state!
Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show, Maggie Valley, NC, October 20 + 21
Enjoy a versatile art show comprised of makers and artisans with products that run the gamut of household items to fine paintings. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this late autumnal celebration of regional artistry!
We hope you’ll book your stay during one of the region’s many bustling festivals to experience a Western NC rite of passage!