ASHEVILLE, N.C. 828newsNOW — Labor Day weekend brings a variety of festivals and events to Western North Carolina, with long-running traditions, mountain music, arts and crafts, and downtown gatherings planned across the region.
Events scheduled Sept. 4-7 include the Canton Labor Day Festival, NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville, Earl Scruggs Music Festival, Maggie Valley’s Labor Day arts and crafts show, First Friday events in Mars Hill and Waynesville, and stage productions in Asheville and nearby communities.
Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for the holiday weekend.
Weekend at a glance
- Labor Day tradition: Canton Labor Day Festival
- Family-friendly: Maggie Valley Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show, Mars Hill First Friday or Waynesville First Friday
- Festivals: NC Apple Festival, Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL or Earl Scruggs Music Festival
- Live music: Red Clay Revival or Patio Show: Aaron Molhoo
- Outdoors: Guided Trail Walk
- Arts and culture: “The Neurologues II,” “The Curious Savage” or “Frozen” auditions
Family-friendly & community
118th Canton Labor Day Festival
Downtown Canton, Canton
Sunday-Monday | Free admission
The Canton Labor Day Festival brings Labor Day weekend activities to downtown Canton. The event is tied to the town’s long history of Labor Day observances and includes community programming for residents and visitors.
Maggie Valley Labor Day 2026 Arts & Crafts Show
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Saturday-Sunday | Free admission
The Maggie Valley Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show brings artists, makers and vendors to the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The event gives visitors a daytime option for browsing handmade goods, seasonal items and regional craft.
Mars Hill First Friday
Downtown Mars Hill, Mars Hill
Friday, 5-8 p.m. | Free admission
Mars Hill First Friday brings live music, dance, shopping, art, food and local business activity to downtown Mars Hill. The monthly event gives visitors a way to walk through town and connect with local shops and community groups.
Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll
Downtown Waynesville, Waynesville
Friday | Free admission
Waynesville First Friday brings evening activity to downtown Waynesville with local shops, galleries, restaurants and music. The monthly event is built around downtown businesses and community gathering.
Festivals
NC Apple Festival
Downtown Hendersonville, Hendersonville
Friday-Monday | Free admission
The NC Apple Festival returns to downtown Hendersonville for Labor Day weekend. The festival highlights Henderson County’s apple industry and includes vendors, food, music, family activities and the King Apple Parade.
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL ‘26
Pack Square, Asheville
Friday, noon | Prices vary
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL focuses on Asheville history, culture, arts and community heritage. Check the event listing for venue details, schedule, participating artists and admission information.
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
Earl Scruggs Music Festival honors the legacy of banjo player Earl Scruggs with a weekend of bluegrass, Americana and roots music. The festival includes multiple performers, camping options and programming connected to the region’s music traditions.
Live music & nightlife
Red Clay Revival
Sierra Nevada Brewing, Fletcher
Sunday, 6 p.m. | Prices vary
Red Clay Revival performs Sunday as part of the Labor Day weekend calendar. The band’s sound draws from Southern rock, Americana and roots music.
Patio Show: Aaron Molhoo
The Grey Eagle, Asheville
Sunday | Prices vary
Aaron Molhoo is listed for a Sunday patio show. The event gives listeners a more casual live music option during the holiday weekend.
Outdoors & daytime
Guided Trail Walk
The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Saturday, 10 a.m. | Prices vary
The Guided Trail Walk gives participants a chance to spend time outdoors with a structured walk. Check the event listing for meeting location, trail difficulty, registration details and weather-related updates.
Arts & culture
The Neurologues II
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
Saturday-Sunday | Ticketed
“The Neurologues II” comes to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts for a two-day run. The production uses performance to explore brain health, identity and lived experience through storytelling and theater.
The Curious Savage
Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville
Saturday, 2 p.m. | Ticketed
“The Curious Savage” is a stage comedy about a widow whose family has her committed after she decides to use her inheritance in ways they oppose. Check the event listing for venue, ticket and performance details.
Auditions: Frozen
Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville
Monday, 6 p.m. | Registration or audition requirements may apply
Auditions for “Frozen” are scheduled for Monday evening. The listing gives performers a chance to learn about roles, audition requirements and production details.
Looking ahead
Additional concerts, festivals, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in September. 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.