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“Summer in the mountains: where the trails are endless, the views are free, and the WiFi is weak—just the way we like it.”
— Local Wisdom
Enjoy this curated list of things to do in and around Asheville this season.
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Birding for Beginners - The North Carolina Arboretum | Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. | | | | |
Asheville Honey Fest 2025 - Center For Honeybee Research | The Center for Honeybee Research Presents Asheville HoneyFest 2024 along with the 13th Annual Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest at the Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. Enjoy Live Music, Food and Honey Sales, Entertainment, International Black Jar Honey Tasting Contest. | | | | |
Pride 5K - Blue Ridge Pride |
Join us for the second annual Blue Ridge Pride 5K on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 8:00 to 11:00 AM at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC. This inclusive run/walk welcomes participants of all abilities, with awards in three gender categories and age divisions, and supports Blue Ridge Pride’s Health Equity and Mental Health programs. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with local LGBTQIA2S+ fitness vendors, refreshments, and community speakers.
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Downtown After 5 is a beloved free concert series that brings Asheville’s community together for evenings of live music, food, and local culture. Hosted by the Asheville Downtown Association, the event takes place from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Pack Square Park on select Fridays during the warmer months. Each gathering features a unique theme, diverse musical acts, and a marketplace showcasing local artisans. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options while relaxing on the lawn or exploring the dedicated kids’ zone.
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Independence Day Block Party | Asheville Downtown Association | The Voice of Downtown | Join us for a day of free family fun with the Amazing Air Dogs, live music, local vendors, and, of course, a fireworks show! | | | | |
Asheville Summer Sizzle Craft and Vendor Market | Hometown Vendor Market presents Asheville Summer Sizzle Craft and Vendor Market - Saturday, July 12, 2025 | Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Tanger Outlets Asheville, Asheville, NC. Find event and ticket information. | | | | |
Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents: Appalachian Phoenix | Resilience. Hope. Celebration. Experience a transformative evening where world class dance, art, and community come together to honor local heroes and inspire renewal. This vibrant performance features breathtaking choreography, stunning visuals crafted from reclaimed materials, and stories of selflessness and unity - a powerful reminder that from adversity, a new strength, like a phoenix, can rise. | | | | |
Love Shine Play | Asheville Yoga Festival | Join us in Asheville for the 8th annual Love Shine Play Festival, happening July 24–27, 2025. This four-day celebration of yoga and wellness features world-class instructors, live music, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant Mountain Air Market. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s an immersive experience of movement, connection, and joy. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this festival offers something for everyone. | | | | |
The Asheville Comedy Festival is one of the longest-running comedy events in the country. Having featured nearly 700 comedians over 16 years, the event continues to grow and innovate. The festival is regarded as one of the most talent and comedy industry-friendly festivals year after year having supported most of the household names you know today. Roaring into its 17th year taking over the city July 31-August 2 and August 6-9, 2025 there’s bigger and better still to come from the festival organizers including many surprise year-round special event performances. | | | | |
Trail Running Film Festival 2025 | The Orange Peel | This past year has tested our community, especially after Hurricane Helene. We paused our usual spring event to give space for healing—and now, we’re ready to reconnect. Join us for the 2025 Trail Running Film Festival on Wednesday, August 20th at The Orange Peel in Asheville. More than a film night, it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the trails that bring us together. Enjoy powerful stories of adventure, transformation, and the bond we share with nature. Whether you’re a runner or simply love the outdoors, this night is for you. | | | | |
4th Annual HarvestFest Supporting ASAP - Olivette Riverside Community & Farm | Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Saturday, August 23rd for HarvestFest—a benefit concert supporting ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. Enjoy live music, family games, and activities starting at 3 PM. Local farmers and their families receive free entry, with a special VIF (Very Important Farmers) area to show our gratitude during harvest season. All ticket proceeds support ASAP’s Double SNAP program, which helps EBT users access fresh produce and strengthens connections between local farmers and the community. | | | | |
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL will be a vibrant tribute to Asheville's rich history, arts, and culture, showcasing an eclectic mix of music, performances, storytelling, trail tours, healing arts, projection mapping, food, vendors, speakers, workshops, and other various forms of community-driven activities. | | | | | | | |