Special Edition

We’ve got 15+ events every Ashevillian should have on their radar this summer. First, we want to talk to you about how you can support this free newsletter — and why it matters in 2024.

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Plan Ahead

☀️ Best summer ever, here we come

Juggler at the LEAF Global Arts Retreat with Mountain Circus Arts

Mountain Circus Arts will host a workshop at the LEAF Retreat. | Photo via LEAF Global Arts

Summer’s almost here and Asheville is so ready. From live music and celebrations to hiking and festivals, summer is when the 828 comes alive.

Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring 15+ summer events happening between May and August.

Concerts and live music

Shindig on the Green | Saturdays, July 6-Aug. 24 | 7-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free | Gather around sundown for a show of Appalachian music and dance as well as informal jam sessions and concessions.

AVLFest | Thursday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | Various locations | $135-$250 | After a big bang last year, the concert halls, clubs, bars, and outdoor venues of Asheville are coming together again for the second year of the festival — explore the first-wave lineup then grab your tickets.

All about the arts

Asheville Art in the Park | Saturdays, June 8-22 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free | Artists from around the Asheville area will gather for this twice-yearly market of handmade goods and wares.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands | Wednesday, July 18-Sunday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $12 | Artists will fill the concourse and arena levels with works of clay, wood, metal, glass, leather, mixed media, and more (plus, live music and craft demonstrations). Kids under 12 get in free.

Summer festivals

GrindFest AVL | Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26 | Times vary | A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville | Free | The weekend celebration of local Black entrepreneurs + business owners will be filled with music, performances, food, and chances for employment, partnership, and learning.

Connect Beyond Festival | Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9 | Times vary | Various locations | Prices TBD | After a 2023 hiatus, Asheville’s version of SXSW returns with a lineup of art, music, film, and media through screenings, fireside chats, workshops and more. This year’s theme is “connection to deepen resilience and keep moving forward.”

See full event list

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