ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Events scheduled July 24-26 in Asheville and Western North Carolina include Moth Night at the WNC Nature Center, Hillbilly Jam in Maggie Valley, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” in Concert in Brevard, “RENT” at Flat Rock Playhouse and outdoor programs in Leicester and Arden.

The weekend also includes food and drink events, live music, family-friendly activities and summer festivals across the region.

Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for the weekend.

Weekend at a glance

  • Family-friendly: Moth Night at the Nature Center
  • Festival: Hillbilly Jam or Love Shine Play Festival
  • Live music: Jesse Wells, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” in Concert or Asheville Jazz Orchestra
  • Food and drink: Bacon, Beer, Blues, Bourbon Fest
  • Outdoors: Meditation with Horses or Birding Walk
  • Arts and culture: “RENT” or “Lickety Split”

Family-friendly & community

Moth Night at the Nature Center
WNC Nature Center, Asheville
Friday, 8:30 p.m. | Ticketed

The WNC Nature Center will host an evening program focused on moths and other nocturnal wildlife. Visitors can view moths attracted to lightsheeting stations, learn about local species and take part in guided tours during the event.

Festivals

Hillbilly Jam
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Friday and Saturday | Ticketed

Hillbilly Jam returns to the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds with country and Southern Appalachian-themed entertainment. The event includes music, food, crafts, cornhole, a car and bike show, appearances connected to “Moonshiners” and a Hatfield and McCoy tug-of-war.

Love Shine Play Festival 2026
Pack Square Park and downtown Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Prices vary

Love Shine Play Festival includes yoga classes, meditation, talks, hikes and related wellness activities at downtown Asheville venues. The festival also includes an outdoor market at Pack Square Park.

Live music & nightlife

Jesse Wells with Steph Strings
Asheville Yards, Asheville
Friday | Ticketed

Jesse Wells is scheduled to perform Friday at Asheville Yards with Steph Strings. The concert adds a downtown outdoor music option to the weekend schedule.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
Brevard Music Center, Brevard
Saturday, 8 p.m. | Ticketed

Brevard Sinfonia will perform John Williams’ score live during a screening of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” The concert is part of Brevard Music Center’s summer programming.

Asheville Jazz Orchestra
White Horse Black Mountain, Black Mountain
Sunday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed

The Asheville Jazz Orchestra performs big band jazz at White Horse Black Mountain. The ensemble’s repertoire includes swing-era music, contemporary charts and original arrangements.

For more local shows this month, see the 828newsNOW July Concert Calendar.

Food & drink

Bacon, Beer, Blues, Bourbon Fest
The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage Co., Asheville
Saturday, noon | Free admission

Bacon, Beer, Blues, Bourbon Fest is planned for Saturday at The Mule. The event includes bacon samples, craft beer and spirit tastings, music from Mr. Jimmy and food from The Beefie Boys. The event supports Appalachian Community Relief.

Outdoors & daytime

Meditation with Horses
HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm, Leicester
Saturday, 10 a.m. | $35

Meditation with Horses is a one-hour guided mindfulness session at HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm. Participants will spend time near horses as part of a meditation experience focused on stillness and presence.

Birding Walk
Lake Julian Park, Arden
Saturday, 8 a.m. | Free, registration required

The birding walk at Lake Julian Park gives participants a chance to observe birds along the lake shore. Binoculars are available upon request, though supplies are limited.

Arts & culture

RENT
Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed

Flat Rock Playhouse opens its production of “RENT” this weekend. The musical, based on Puccini’s “La Bohème,” follows artists and friends living in New York City and features a rock score. Parental discretion is advised.

Lickety Split
Owen Theatre, Mars Hill
Saturday, 2 p.m. | Ticketed

“Lickety Split” is a collection of short comedic plays at Owen Theatre in Mars Hill. The production includes multiple characters and storylines built around quick-moving comic situations.

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.

Looking ahead

Additional concerts, festivals, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in August. Find more local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.