ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Got plans this weekend? If not, you are in the right place. Missing out on local events is no fun, so read this run down on the top activities in Western North Carolina before they are gone.
Stay up to date with the 828newsNOW Events website for more entertainment, education, live music, comedy, crafting and much more.
Dog Day Afternoon
Dog Day Afternoon is a free event from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Lake Julian Park. There will be pet contests, adoptable dogs, local vendors and food trucks. Canines in the Clouds will be performing.
Bring your own leashed dog and pick up lots of treats. Click here to learn more.
7th Avenue Street Fest
Celebrate the grand reopening of Hendersonville’s 7th Avenue at the at a block party from 12 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, coinciding with the season opener of the Hendersonville Farmers Market. This community event will feature live music, local vendors, craft drinks, family-friendly activities and the reveal of the 2025 ArtScape Banners, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Visitors can explore the newly revitalized district, which includes wider sidewalks, fresh landscaping, and improved infrastructure aimed at creating a pedestrian-friendly and welcoming area. Before the block party, enjoy the Hendersonville Farmers Market from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering regional produce, handmade goods and more.
Click here for more information.
Read our reporting on the 7th Avenue Street Festival.
Appalachian Heritage Weekend
Honor the forefathers of W.N.C. from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday May 2 – 3 in downtown Waynesville. Waynesville’s Main Street will transform into a pedestrian-friendly festival space featuring artisan demonstrations like basketry, quilt block painting and blacksmithing, along with local art vendors and live music. Also included are an Appalachian music concert, tours of the historic Shelton House, a True Crime Trail and the scenic Quilt Trails Bus Tour, which pairs regional storytelling with quilt block sightseeing and wine tasting.
Click here for more information.
Click here for information specifically on the Quilt Trails Bus Tour.
Asheville’s Got Talent
Think you have what it takes to woo an audience? Your chance to break into the entertainment scene might be this weekend. From 12 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at UU Asheville, take the stage and give it you all. A $200 grand prize is up for the taking. Anyone is welcome to participate, including children and groups. Any talent is welcome to be shown. Organizers say, “Nothing to lose.”
Click here for more information.
Tar Heel Art Exhibition
UpMarket Gallery presents its inaugural “Tar Heel Art – From the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge” exhibition, showcasing the work of 37 standout North Carolinian artists. Be among the first to view the art from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2 at UpMarket Gallery in Asheville. At the opening evening reception, observe the works that encompass the state’s diverse artistic and cultural landscape through a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, fiber and mixed media.
Click here for more information.
Sashiko Stitching Class
Explore the traditional Japanese art of Sashiko in a hands-on workshop at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Pack Memorial Library, where you will learn this elegant embroidery and mending technique known for its functional use and beautiful geometric designs. Ideal for beginners, the class covers Sashiko’s history, key tools and basic stitches, allowing participants to create a small take-home project like a patch or coaster. All materials are included, and no prior sewing experience is needed.
Click here for more information.
Huge Rummage Sale
Students at Asheville Catholic School are fundraising for a class field trip to Washington D.C. To cover the costs, a massive used goods sale will be held from 8 a.m. – noon on Saturday, May 3 at their school. Sort through books, clothes, toys and more to bring home recycled treasures.
Click here for more information.
WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival
Join the lush, vibrant celebration of spring in Asheville with the WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival & Growing in the Mountain Plant Sale. Featuring over 80 local growers and vendors, the event includes a wide variety of plants including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruits, trees and shrubs. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, sweet treats, coffee, live music, artisan goods, and children’s games will be offered as well. Enjoy the festivities from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday May 2 – 3or 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4.
Click here for more information.
Still searching for the event that scratches your itch? Look through hundreds of other options on the 828newsNOW Events website.