ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — This weekend is jam-packed with love and Mardi Gras. Check out our list of Valentine’s Day celebrations and don’t miss the Mardi Gras parade this Sunday.
Friday, Feb. 13
Galentine’s 2026 – 7-9 p.m., Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square
Gals hunting for a Galentine’s celebration with a little glamor can head to the Asheville Art Museum, which will be hosting a waffle bar, a bouquet-building station, a Polaroid booth, craft Galentine’s cocktails, music from DJ Tigress and a silent auction of prizes from women-owned businesses in Asheville. Find tickets here.
Hike Beaucatcher Mountain Trail – Memorial Stadium, 32 Buchanan Pl.
Beaucatcher Mountain Trail is a popular hiking spot just outside of downtown Asheville. The network of branching trails is located behind Memorial Stadium and McCormick Field, making the hike a perfect outing for tourists and Tourists alike. Read more about the trail in our hiking guide.
Watch “The Moment” – Now playing in theaters
Revisit an alternate version of “brat summer” in “The Moment,” a funny, smart music mockumentary about British pop star Charli XCX. Read our review here.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer – 7-10 p.m., Urban Orchard Cider Company, 24 Buxton Ave.
If you are still looking for a Valentine this Valentine’s Day, try out the Urban Orchard Singles Mixer. Hosts have prepared games and activities throughout the event space, as well as “looking for” cards to make approachable conversations easier. Tickets can be found here.
Art Lover’s Stroll – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., River Arts District
The River Arts District will host several Valentine’s Day festivities this weekend at the Art Lover’s Stroll, the latest event in the Second Saturday Art Stroll series. The event is free and open to the public, though some studios may have a fee for special workshops or activities. Find more information here.
Echoes of the Forest “Tea for Two” unveiling – 1-2 p.m., North Carolina Arboretum
Echoes of the Forest has been working to transform fallen trees into reflective public artwork after the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024. This Valentine’s Day, the project will unveil their latest wooden masterpiece, “Tea for Two,” at the North Carolina Arboretum. Read more here.
Valentine’s Day Sip & Shop – 4-6 p.m., Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave.
Grove Arcade, the romantic old shopping center in the heart of downtown Asheville, will host an evening event for the community this Valentine’s Day. “Guests are encouraged to stroll through Grove Arcade’s locally owned shops, browse thoughtfully curated gifts and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly,” Grove Arcade wrote in a press release. Read more here.
Sunday, Feb. 15
South Slope Mardi Gras Parade – 3:05 p.m., South Slope district, downtown Asheville
The South Slope will come alive with merriment this Sunday for the annual Mardi Gras parade. While floats will begin to line up at noon, the parade will kick off at 3:05 p.m., weaving its way through the South Slope from the southern end of Coxe Avenue. Read more about the parade schedule, including parking information, here.
“The Queen’s Ball” Mardi Gras after-party – 5:30-9:30 p.m., Wicked Weed Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave.
Following the Mardi Gras parade, Asheville Mardi Gras will host an after-party, “The Queen’s Ball,” at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium. Festivities will include live music by JLoyd Mashup and an awards ceremony, presenting honors for Krewe of Distinction, Best Costume and the Rob Seven Award.