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Western North Carolina is a picturesque region that plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. From movie and
food festivals to live music concerts, our area has something for everyone. Read on to discover more than 40 unique events in Western North Carolina! Afterward, find more fun things to do in our Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Vacation Guide. Our guide is full of information on entertainment, dining, and outdoor recreation, so that you can spend less time planning and more time having fun!
APRIL
If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids, then take them to Earth Day at Chimney Rock State Park! This educational and interactive event happens each April; it’s a free event that takes place rain or shine. Learn about the great work being done to protect our beautiful landscape.
Easter Brunch, April 4th, 2021, at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa
Earth Day at Chimney Rock
The Biltmore Blooms Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate
Sweet Treats of the Carolinas in downtown Marion, NC
Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock State Park
Weaverville Art Safari Spring Studio Tour in Weaverville, NC
MAY
The Asheville Herb Festival is the greatest herb festival in the Southeast, and it takes place each May in the heart of Asheville. The festival features products from a wide variety of gardeners and herbalists. Festival-goers can stop by for herbal ointments, balms, soaps, teas, medicines, and more!
Mother's Day Lunch, May 9th, 2021, at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa
The Asheville Herb Festival at The WNC Farmers Market in Asheville
MayFest in Rutherfordton, NC
The Carolina Class at Tryon International Equestrian Center
LEAF Festival in Black Mountain, NC
Lake Lure Annual Boat Parade at Lake Lure
Classic Boat & Auto Show in Lake Lure, NC
Annual SpringGo & Outdoor Symphony Concert at The Gathering Place Amphitheater in Chimney Rock Village
Asheville Beer Week in downtown Asheville
JUNE
June is an exciting month for festivals in Western North Carolina! During the Drums & Dragons Race, participants paddle 250 meters down a chosen local river in 30-foot-long dragon boats, dressed in dragon heads, tails, and scales! Another one of our favorite June events is A Gorge-ous Evening Out at Chimney Rock State Park. You’ll enjoy locally crafted foods, wines, and so much more at this family-friendly event.
Cherry Bounce Festival in Forest City, NC
Drums & Dragons Race at Lake Julian Park
Waterfalls & Wine Tour at Pisgah National Forest
JULY
When it comes to Independence Day celebrations, no place does it better than Lake Lure. Gather your family and friends for a fun evening by the water! Some other exciting summer events in July are:
The Lake Lure Fireworks Celebration at Morse Park Meadows
July 4th Weekend Family Fun at Chimney Rock State Park
NC Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in downtown Asheville, NC
Beats, Burgers, and Brews at Chimney Rock State Park
For more 4th of July events, read our blog on Independence Day celebrations!
AUGUST
The Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC, is one of the most exciting events of the summer. Attendees can enjoy dancing lessons, games, live music, arts and crafts, and exciting dance competitions in Lake Lure where part of the movie was filmed. Whether you decide to jump in and dance or sit back and watch, we guarantee that you will have the “time of your life!” If you are visiting in August, don’t miss these other fun events:
Lake Lure Olympiad Sports Festival in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, NC
Sourwood Honey Festival in Black Mountain, NC
SEPTEMBER
The North Carolina Apple Festival takes place each Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Guests can enjoy four days of fun with arts and crafts, free entertainment, baked goods, and plenty of freshly picked apples. Yum! Here are a few more of our favorite events in September:
NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville, NC
The NC Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, NC
Annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Morse Park, Lake Lure, NC
Brewgrass Festival in Asheville, NC
OCTOBER
There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween in Western North Carolina! Don’t miss Halloweenfest in downtown Brevard. Then, watch as vampires, zombies, and ghosts participate in the Flight of the Vampire Run! You can also look forward to a spooky parade, chili cook-off, pumpkin carving contest, haunted house, and masquerade ball. A few other popular events in October include:
Annual Vintage Tin Car Show in Lake Lure, NC
Halloweenfest in downtown Brevard, NC
NC Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in downtown Asheville, NC
Weaverville Art Safari Fall Studio Tour in Weaverville, NC
NOVEMBER
The Biltmore Estate Christmas Celebration kicks off in November. This century-old tradition delights thousands of visitors with over 50 decorated Christmas trees, 65 adorned fireplaces, and countless twinkling lights. Tour the incredible property for a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget. Mark your calendar for the following events this November as well!
Christmas at Biltmore at Biltmore Estate
A Christmas Carol at Flat Rock Playhouse
Thanksgiving Dinner November 26th - 28th, 2020, at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa
“Light Up The Gorge” November 27th at 7:00pm
Forest City Christmas Lights in Forest City, NC
DECEMBER
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock become a winter wonderland in December, so this is one of the most magical times to visit. Watch Santa scale the world’s largest chimney at Chimney Rock State Park, or watch as millions of sparkling lights illuminate Rutherfordton. Then, join us for our famous Wine Dinner and New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant. You won’t want to miss out on the following festivities:
Santa on the Chimney, December 5 & 12 between 11am – 2pm, at Chimney Rock State Park
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas in Hendersonville, NC
Small Town Christmas in Rutherfordton, NC
Winterfest in Tryon, NC
Now through December 24, Chimney Rock’s annual passes will be offered at a special holiday rate
New Year’s Eve Dinner, December 31, at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & SpaNew Year's Eve Overnight Package
New Year’s Eve beachside bonfire with fireworks will be held at the beach in Lake Lure
https://theesmeralda.com/events-calendar/
