The cicadas are buzzing, and the sun is setting after 8 p.m. — we’re calling it, the summer concert season is here.
So grab your picnic blankets or camping chairs and head out to these five summer concert series happening in and around Asheville.
Downtown After 5 | June 20 + Aug. 15 | Pack Square Park | 5-9 p.m. | Free | There are still two more chances to dance, shop, and dine while raising money for local nonprofit organizations. See who’s performing.
Shindig on the Green | Saturdays, July 5 – Aug. 23 | Pack Square Park | 7-10 p.m. | Free | Experience a true Appalachian summer with bluegrass music, string bands, clog dancers, ballad singers, and storytellers.
Arbor Evenings | Wednesdays, June 11 – September 18 | NC Arboretum | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | $20 | Listen to local and regional artists while strolling through the gardens at golden hour. Guests are free to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy, or purchase wine + beer on site.
Swanannoa Gathering |June 30 – Aug. 2 | Warren Wilson College | 7:30 p.m. | $35 |Artists from around the world gather at Warren Wilson College to teach weekly courses in various forms of folk music. You can hear performances from renowned instructors in fiddle, banjo, Celtic, traditional, and contemporary folk.
Park Rhythms | June 12 – July 24 | Black Mountain Town Square | 6-8 p.m. | Free | The summer series kicks off with Colby T. Helms and The Virginia Creepers. Pro tip: Pack your own picnic or come early to dine at one of the surrounding restaurants.
Bonus: Asheville also has plenty of one-off shows throughout the summer, like the free community concert with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Symphony in the Park.
