We have a few months of winter left before Asheville starts warming up for spring, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the winter blues get you down.
One of our favorite things about Asheville is that there’s always something new to look forward to. Concerts, festivals, new restaurants…the list goes on. Whether you’re a foodie, a beer nerd, or can’t get enough of the arts, here are ten things to mark on your calendar this year. Spring 2019 is looking good already. 👀
Ready to plan your next five months? See all 11 must-do events here.
☀️ Asheville Fringe Arts Festival | 📅 Jan. 20–27 | ⏰ Times vary by day |📍Locations vary | Limited entry is free, full passes are $65+ | Asheville Fringe Arts is a week-long, multiple-venue arts festival that pushes the boundaries of performance + installation art.
☀️ Asheville Restaurant Week | 📅 Jan. 21–27 |📍Locations vary | Calling all foodies! Try new cuisine or finally check out one of those new restaurants you’ve been eyeing 👀 for a 2-3 course meal for a great deal (varies by restaurant). See participating restaurants’ menus here.
☀️ Fed Cup | 📅 Feb. 9–10 | ⏰ Times vary | U.S. Cellular Center |📍87 Haywood St. | $50+ | Yep, the world’s largest international team competition in women’s sports is coming to Asheville. The weekend includes a five-match series to lead in to April’s semi-finals. Serena and Venus Williams will be here.
☀️ {Re}HAPPENING | 📅 March 30 | ⏰ 3–10 p.m. | Lake Eden at Camp Rockmont |📍375 Lake Eden Rd. | $20+ (tickets not yet available) | Inspired by the students + faculty of the historic Black Mountain College, the {Re}HAPPENING provides a funded space for artists to continue the legacy of experimental, interdisciplinary arts. Protip: get free admission by signing up to volunteer. If you’re fuzzy on the history of BMC, check out our coverage.
☀️ Connect Beyond Festival | 📅 April 5–7 | ⏰ Time TBD |📍Location TBD | Price TBD | Connect Beyond is a festival that is dedicated to bringing people together around community-building + social change. Expect inspiring speakers, music, films + storytelling.
☀️ Biltmore Blooms | 📅 April 1–May 23 | ⏰ 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | The Biltmore Estate |📍1 Lodge St. | $65+ | Celebrate the first day of spring + warmer temps with a lush display of flowers. Biltmore Blooms celebrates the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of the Biltmore Gardens. Catch tropical plants + flowers inside the house and over 10,000 blooms outdoors. Don’t forget to check out the Vanderbilt House Party Costumes exhibit while you’re there.
☀️ Asheville Orchid Festival | 📅 April 6–7 | ⏰ 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | NC Arboretum |📍100 Frederick Olmstead Law Way | $5 at the door | The 21st annual celebration of orchids will include educational programs, lectures + orchid exhibits from world-class orchid growers. Orchids will be available for purchase.
☀️ Asheville Bread Festival | 📅 April 13–14 | ⏰ Times TBD | New Belgium |📍21 Craven St. | Price TBD | The 15th annual celebration of natural leavening and everything bread-related. Check their website for updated information on presenters + workshops.
☀️ Carolina Donut Festival | 📅 April 20 | ⏰ 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | Mr. Bob’s Donuts |📍60 S. Main St., Marion NC | Free | Get your sweet tooth on with hundreds of varieties of donuts, cupcakes, cookies + more pastries.
☀️ Weaverville Art Safari | 📅 April 27–April 28 | ⏰ 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |📍Locations vary | Free | 50+ gallery + studio artists will participate in this year’s self-guided safari. Interact with local artists + makers who make the WNC art scene so vibrant. Protip: there will also be a preview party on April 26 from 6–8 p.m. at three galleries (Artisans on Main, Mangum Pottery, and Miya Gallery, at 14, 16, and 20 North Main Street.)
☀️ Beer Week 2019 | 📅 Date TBD (typically late May) | ⏰ Times vary |📍Locations vary | Free | A week dedicated to all things craft beer. Follow Asheville Beer Week’s Facebook page or website for updates.
I personally love the quiet time after the holidays for regrouping + planning how to make my year amazing. But some of these cool events + festivals are definitely going to get me out of the house. (Restaurant Week with friends? I think yes.)
What are you looking forward to this spring? Reply to this email or let us know on Instagram + Facebook.
