ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — With July Fourth falling on a Saturday, the holiday weekend begins early across Western North Carolina, with events scheduled Friday through Sunday in Asheville, Mars Hill, Lake Junaluska, Leicester and other communities.
A separate 828newsNOW guide includes Fourth of July fireworks, parades and Independence Day celebrations across the region.
Here’s a look at additional events scheduled for July 3-5.
Weekend at a glance
- Independence Day: 828newsNOW’s guide to Fourth of July fireworks and events
- Family-friendly: Mars Hill First Fridays
- Outdoors: Meditation with Horses
- Live music: Blue Ridge Big Band Concert, Jeremy’s Ten or Sunday Socials
- Arts and culture: Downtown Art District’s First Fridays
Independence Day celebrations
Independence Day events and fireworks in Asheville and Western North Carolina
Asheville and Western North Carolina
Friday-Sunday | Prices vary
Fourth of July events across the region include fireworks shows, parades, festivals, live music and community celebrations. 828newsNOW’s Independence Day guide includes events in Asheville, Weaverville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Brevard, Canton, Maggie Valley, Lake Junaluska, Hot Springs, Marshall, Montreat, Marion, Boone, Cherokee and other mountain communities.
Family-friendly & community
Mars Hill First Fridays
Downtown Mars Hill
Friday, 5-8 p.m. | Free admission
Mars Hill First Fridays is scheduled for Friday evening in downtown Mars Hill. The event includes live music, dance, shopping, art, food, local businesses and community activities.
Outdoors & daytime
Meditation with Horses
HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm, Leicester
Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | $35
Meditation with Horses is scheduled for Saturday morning at HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm. The one-hour session is designed as a guided mindfulness experience with horses.
Live music & nightlife
Jeremy’s Ten: The Pearl Jam Tribute
The Orange Peel, Asheville
Friday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Jeremy’s Ten, a Pearl Jam tribute band, is scheduled to perform Friday at The Orange Peel. The band performs songs from Pearl Jam’s catalog.
Blue Ridge Big Band Concert
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
Friday, 7 p.m. | Free admission
Blue Ridge Big Band is scheduled to perform Friday at Lake Junaluska. The outdoor concert will include big band and patriotic music, with fireworks scheduled after the concert around 9:15 p.m.
Sunday Socials
Haiku, Asheville
Sunday, 1-7 p.m. | Prices vary
Sunday Socials is scheduled for Sunday at Haiku in Asheville. The event includes live music, cocktails and indoor-outdoor garden seating. Anne Coombs & Company is scheduled to perform.
828newsNOW July Concert Calendar: Live music in Asheville and WNC this month
Arts & culture
Downtown Art District’s First Fridays
Downtown Arts District, Lexington Avenue, Asheville
Friday, 5-8 p.m. | Free admission
Downtown Art District’s First Fridays is scheduled for Friday evening in Asheville. Participating arts businesses will host exhibitions, live music, workshops, demonstrations and other activities. Visitors can collect stamps on a passport card for a chance to enter a giveaway.
Looking ahead
Additional concerts, festivals, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in July. Find more local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Some events may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled because of weather or other conditions. Check official event listings for the latest updates before attending.