Shindig on the Green
Description
Shindig on the Green is Asheville’s longest-running free outdoor gathering: a Saturday-night series of Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling on Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park, produced by the Folk Heritage Committee since 1967. The 2026 run was its 60th season. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people turn up each night, and it starts, in the organizers’ own words, “along about sundown” — 7:00 p.m. for those who wear a watch.
The evening has two halves that run at once. On the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage there is a programmed show: the long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys, bluegrass and old-time string bands, the Big Circle Mountain Dancers, clog and smooth dancers, ballad singers and storytellers. Around the park, informal jam sessions break out wherever players gather — and you are welcome to bring an instrument and join one.
It runs most Saturdays from early July to the end of August. It skips one weekend each summer so the musicians and dancers can take part in the Folk Heritage Committee’s sister event, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival (its 99th edition in 2026). In 2026 Shindig opened July 11 and ran through August 29, pausing August 1.
What is available?
Live bluegrass and old-time string bands; clogging, smooth and big-circle mountain dancing; ballad singers and storytellers; open jam sessions around the park; concessions from Bear’s Smokehouse and The Hop Ice Cream Cafe.
Located inside of: Outdoors — Roger McGuire Green, Pack Square Park
Special tips for the festival?
Bring lawn chairs or a blanket — there is no fixed seating. Bring your instrument if you play; the jams are open. Arrive before 7 to get grass near the stage. It is free, but a donation is suggested. Pets are not allowed except service animals.
Location: Roger McGuire Green, Pack Square Park, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: N/A (Folk Heritage Committee)
Opening Hours: Saturdays, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dates: Most Saturdays, early July – late August (2026: July 11 – August 29, skipping August 1)
Parking: Downtown Garages / Street Parking
Location of the Festival: Roger McGuire Green, Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville
