ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The first weekend of August brings traditional music and dance, outdoor programs, family-friendly theater, garden tours, festivals and live music to Asheville and communities across Western North Carolina.
Events planned July 31-Aug. 2 include the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, World Ranger Day, the Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show, Flat Rock Playhouse Garden Tours and a children’s theater production of “Willy Wonka.”
Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for the weekend.
Weekend at a glance
- Family-friendly: World Ranger Day, Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show or “Willy Wonka”
- Festival: Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, Blooms & Bushels Festival or Meat & Metal 2026
- Live music: Rhiannon Giddens presents American Tunes or Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt Tribute
- Health and wellness: Appalachian Mountain Health Fair
- Outdoors: Flat Rock Playhouse Garden Tours or Outdoor Fair in the Park
- Arts and culture: Playground Stage Children’s Theatre presents “Willy Wonka”
Family-friendly & community
World Ranger Day
Chimney Rock
Friday, 10 a.m. | Prices vary
World Ranger Day recognizes the work of park rangers and other public lands staff. The local event includes ranger-focused programming and gives visitors a chance to learn more about conservation, public lands and outdoor stewardship.
42nd Annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show
Parkway Fire and Rescue Event Grounds, Spruce Pine
Friday, 10 a.m. | Prices vary
The Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show brings mineral, gem and jewelry vendors to the Spruce Pine area. Visitors can browse rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry and related items from regional and visiting dealers.
Festivals
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Asheville High School
Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival highlights traditional mountain music, dance and storytelling. The festival has roots in Western North Carolina’s long history of old-time music, ballad singing and community performance.
Blooms & Bushels Festival
Barber Orchards & Pinnacle Farms, Waynesville
Saturday | Prices vary
Blooms & Bushels Festival focuses on agriculture, flowers, local goods and seasonal activities. Check the event listing for location, vendor details, schedule and admission information.
Meat & Metal 2026
The Orange Peel, Downtown Asheville
Sunday, 2 p.m. | Ticketed
Meat & Metal 2026 combines food and heavy music in a Sunday afternoon event. Check the event listing for lineup, food details, venue information and admission requirements.
Live music & nightlife
Rhiannon Giddens presents American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
Hellbender, Asheville
Date and time vary | Ticketed
Rhiannon Giddens presents “American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” at Hellbender in Asheville. The program is part of Giddens’ American Tunes series, which explores American music through performance and cultural history.
Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt Tribute w/ Lillie Syracuse
White Horse Black Mountain, Black Mountain
Saturday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Lillie Syracuse performs a tribute to Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt. The show features music associated with both artists, whose work spans blues, country, jazz, rock and singer-songwriter traditions.
Health & wellness
4th Annual Appalachian Mountain Health Fair
Appalachian Mountain Health, Asheville
Saturday, 11 a.m. | Free admission
The Appalachian Mountain Health Fair includes health-related resources, screenings, information and community wellness programming. Check the event listing for participating organizations and available services.
Outdoors & daytime
Flat Rock Playhouse Garden Tours
Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock
Friday, 10 a.m. | Ticketed
Flat Rock Playhouse Garden Tours give visitors a look at gardens connected to the theater and surrounding grounds. The event offers a daytime option for those interested in gardening, landscapes and the Flat Rock Playhouse campus.
Outdoor Fair in the Park
Sierra Nevada Brewing
Saturday, noon | Free admission
Outdoor Fair in the Park includes outdoor-focused activities, vendors and community programming. Check the event listing for location, participating groups and any weather-related updates.
Arts & culture
Playground Stage Children’s Theatre presents: “Willy Wonka”
T.C. Roberson High School, Asheville
Saturday, 1 p.m. | Ticketed
Playground Stage Children’s Theatre presents “Willy Wonka,” a family-oriented stage production based on the story of Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory. The performance is geared toward young audiences and families.
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.