Asheville Holiday Parade
Downtown Asheville’s holiday season starts with the parade: Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11 AM, the 80th edition, themed “A Vintage Holiday”. Free to watch, with the Winter Window Display Contest in the storefronts the same weekend.
Christmas at Biltmore
America’s largest home dressed for the holidays, November 3, 2026 to January 10, 2027: the daytime celebration, Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Antler Hill Village lit up until February, and how to book it without overpaying.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Asheville’s walk-through holiday light show, November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027 at The North Carolina Arboretum: per-vehicle tickets, gate hours, what’s new this year and how to skip the sellouts.
Asheville Beer Festivals
Asheville’s beer festivals by season: AVL Beer Week in May, Asheville Oktoberfest and Burial Beer Co.’s Burnpile in early October, plus the older festivals to check before you plan a trip around them.
Lovely Asheville Fall Festival (LAAFF)
The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival (LAAFF): a free two-day music and arts weekend in Pack Square Park every mid-October (the 2026 edition ran October 10–11). Multiple stages of R&B, pop, jazz, Afrobeats and reggae, vendor booths, food and a kids’ area. Fifth annual edition, themed “Lovely Asheville Rises”.
Shindig on the Green
Free Saturday-night bluegrass, old-time music, clogging and storytelling on Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park, produced by the Folk Heritage Committee since 1967. Runs most Saturdays from early July to late August, 7 to 10 p.m. Bring a chair, a blanket and an instrument.
LEAF Downtown Asheville
Experience the vibrant energy of LEAF Downtown Asheville, a free festival featuring live music, art vendors, food, drinks, and street performers. Held in the heart of downtown Asheville, this event brings together culture, creativity, and community. Plan your visit to enjoy local artistry, global rhythms, and family-friendly fun.