ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The final weekend of May brings music festivals, outdoor events, a whiskey festival, community gatherings and family-friendly activities to Asheville and communities across Western North Carolina. Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for May 29-31.
If you only do one thing this weekend
Cold Mountain Music Festival
Lake Logan
Friday and Saturday | Ticketed
Cold Mountain Music Festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Lake Logan. The event includes main stage performances, food trucks, vendors and a Junior Appalachian Musicians stage featuring youth musicians.
Weekend at a glance
- Festivals: WNC Whiskey Festival or Cold Mountain Music Festival
- Community: Pigeon Center Fish Fry or Swannanoa Community Yard Sale
- Outdoors: Birding Walk or LEAF Deep Roots
- Live music: Andrew Bird with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra or Steep Canyon Rangers
- Comedy and storytelling: John Crist Live or Haunts & Haints
- Arts and culture: Little Women
Festivals
WNC Whiskey Festival
Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center, Asheville
Saturday, noon-5 p.m. | Ticketed
The WNC Whiskey Festival is scheduled for Saturday at the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center. The event includes whiskey, bourbon and rye tastings, along with live music and vendors.
Birds & Brews Festival
Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville
Saturday, 4-6 p.m. | Free
Birds & Brews Festival is scheduled for Saturday at Sweeten Creek Brewing. The event includes a live raptor presentation and activities focused on birds, wildlife and conservation.
Family-friendly & community
Kids in the Creek
Robert Lake Park, Montreat
Saturday, 1 p.m. | Free
Kids in the Creek is scheduled for Saturday with NCWF Swannanoa Valley WILD! and the Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy. Families will explore Flat Creek and learn about biodiversity, healthy waterways and aquatic wildlife. The event is intended for families with children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Pigeon Center Fish Fry
Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, Waynesville
Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. or until food runs out | Ticketed
The Pigeon Center Fish Fry is scheduled for Friday. Plates include fried fish, slaw, hushpuppies, baked beans and dessert. Proceeds benefit the center.
Swannanoa Community Yard Sale
Kearfott Corporation parking lot, Swannanoa
Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Free admission
The Swannanoa Community Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday at the Kearfott Corporation parking lot. The event includes more than 100 seller spaces. Proceeds from seller spaces support Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa.
Outdoors & daytime
Birding Walk
Lake Julian Park, Arden
Saturday, 8 a.m. | Free
A birding walk is scheduled for Saturday morning. Check the event listing for the meeting location and any registration requirements.
LEAF Deep Roots
Pisgah Brewing, Black Mountain
Saturday, 1 p.m. | Prices vary
LEAF Deep Roots is scheduled for Saturday at LEAF Global Arts. The event features vendors and workshops along with performances by River Whyless and more.
Live music & nightlife
Andrew Bird with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville
Friday, 8 p.m. | Ticketed
Andrew Bird is scheduled to perform with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra on Friday at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Steep Canyon Rangers
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Mills River
Friday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Steep Canyon Rangers are scheduled to perform Friday at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. The concert is part of a two-night run at the venue.
Comedy & storytelling
John Crist Live
Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Asheville
Saturday, 7 p.m. | Ticketed
Comedian John Crist is scheduled to perform Saturday at Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
Haunts & Haints: A Night of Appalachian Storytelling
Asheville area
Saturday, 9 p.m. | Ticketed
Modelface Comedy presents Haunts & Haints on Saturday. The event is centered on Appalachian ghost stories and storytelling.
Arts & culture
Little Women
Tryon Fine Arts Center, Tryon, NC
Sunday, 2 p.m. | Ticketed
A stage production of “Little Women” presented by THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville. The performance transforms the story of the March sisters into a Broadway musical. Check the event listing for venue and ticket information.
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 June. Find more local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Your Guide to Summer in Asheville and Western North Carolina
The 828newsNOW Summer Guide can help you plan the rest of your summer days, from waterfalls and swimming holes to summer festivals, dog-friendly outings, day trips and places to grab a cold drink.
Explore the full guide:
Day Trips from Asheville: Explore Western NC’s Best Small Towns
Waterfall Hikes & Swimming Holes in WNC: Cool Off This Summer
Blue Ridge Parkway Summer Stops: Scenic Drives & Hidden Gems
Where to Take Your Dog This Summer: Parks, Trails & Off-Leash Areas
Asheville summer drinks guide: Breweries, rooftop bars, cocktails and mocktails
Summer Festivals & Live Music in Asheville & WNC: Your Complete Event Guide