ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Late-summer events continue across Western North Carolina this weekend, with music in downtown Asheville, a river-focused community festival in Canton, outdoor programs and theater.
Events scheduled Aug. 21-23 include the final Downtown After 5 of the season, Pigeon RiverFest, the Asheville Film Festival and summer wildflower programming at the N.C. Arboretum.
Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for the weekend.
Weekend at a glance
- Family-friendly: Downtown After 5, Pigeon RiverFest or Cool 4 Back 2 School: Kids Ride FREE
- Festivals: Hazy Hideaway Music and Arts Festival, Asheville Film Festival or Brew Ridge Jam
- Live music: The Wood Brothers, 54 Bicycles or Brew Ridge Jam featuring Leftover Salmon
- Outdoors: Summer Wildflowers of the NC Arboretum or Meditation with Horses
- Arts and culture: Ethnically Ambiguous
Family-friendly & community
Downtown After 5
Pack Square Park, Asheville
Friday, 5-9 p.m. | Free admission
The final Downtown After 5 of the season brings New Orleans Night to Pack Square Park. The evening includes live music, food and beverage vendors, a marketplace and a nonprofit partnership with Asheville Mardi Gras.
3rd Annual Pigeon RiverFest
Canton Recreation Park, Canton
Saturday, 10 a.m. | Free admission
Pigeon RiverFest focuses on the Pigeon River and the Canton community. The event includes a parade, live music, food and beverage vendors, family activities and educational displays connected to the river.
Cool 4 Back 2 School: Kids Ride FREE
Asheville area
Saturday, 11 a.m. | Free admission
Cool 4 Back 2 School: Kids Ride FREE offers a back-to-school outing for families, with free rides for children as part of the event. Check the event listing for location, age guidelines and participation details.
Festivals
The Hazy Hideaway Music and Arts Festival
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Mills River
Friday and Saturday | Ticketed
The Hazy Hideaway Music and Arts Festival brings two days of music, art, food and vendors to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River. The festival includes performances and visual art programming across the brewery grounds.
2026 Asheville Film Festival
Asheville area, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
The Asheville Film Festival brings screenings and film-related programming to Asheville for the weekend. Check the event listing for venues, screening times and pass information.
The Brew Ridge Jam Ft. Leftover Salmon
French Broad River Brewery, Asheville
Friday, 4-11 p.m. | Ticketed
The Brew Ridge Jam features Leftover Salmon, with additional music from Empire Strikes Brass and Coyote Rodeo. The event includes indoor taproom music earlier in the day and outdoor music in the evening.
Live music & nightlife
The Wood Brothers – Two Nights
The Orange Peel, Asheville
Friday and Saturday | Ticketed
The Wood Brothers are scheduled for a two-night run in Asheville. The band’s music blends folk, blues, roots and Americana influences.
54 Bicycles: Widespread Panic Preservation
The Grey Eagle, Asheville
Saturday | Ticketed
54 Bicycles performs music associated with Widespread Panic. The tribute show gives fans a weekend option centered on the band’s catalog.
Outdoors & daytime
Summer Wildflowers of the NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Registration required
Summer Wildflowers of the NC Arboretum is a guided walk focused on identifying plants and flowers on the arboretum property. The program gives participants a closer look at seasonal blooms and plant identification.
Meditation with Horses
HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm, Leicester
Saturday, 10-11 a.m. | $35
Meditation with Horses is a guided mindfulness session at HapBE Valley Equine & Wellness Farm. Participants spend time near horses as part of a one-hour meditation experience.
Arts & culture
Ethnically Ambiguous
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
Friday-Sunday | Ticketed
“Ethnically Ambiguous” is an autobiographical one-person show written and performed by Alex McDonald Villarreal. The production explores identity, family and how people define themselves and are defined by others.
Looking ahead
Additional concerts, festivals, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in late August and 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.