Updated for 2025. With sunlight increasing daily, our thoughts turn to summertime fun. Here is a list of the best summer festivals in Western NC, so you don’t have to miss a single one. The number of summer events grows each year! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us when you call to make a reservation for your summer getaway. Don’t wait too long; summer is busy for all of us!
Annual Festival of Peonies in Bloom
Dates: Every day in May
Location: Wildcat Ridge Farm, 3553 Panther Ridge Rd, Clyde
Is there anything more luxurious than seeing a large peony plant laden with fragrant and colorful petals? Wildcat Ridge Farm celebrates the Annual Festival of Peonies in Bloom for the entire month of May. You can purchase plants, cut blooms, and see dozens of varieties. Did you know that peonies represent wealth, honor, omens of good fortune, and a happy marriage? Also, peony plants can live and continue to flower for 100 years!
Farmers Markets
We love fresh produce! There is no better place to get them than a farmers market (we sometimes call them tailgate markets). If you love farmers markets, how about a farm tour?
Here are the ones that are closest to us:
Leicester Farmers Market
Wednesdays 3:30 – 6:00 pm
2979 New Leicester Hwy (Leicester Community Center), Leicester
Weaverville Tailgate Market
Wednesdays 3:00 – 6:00 pm
60 Lakeshore Drive (Weaverville Community Center), Weaverville
North Asheville Tailgate Market at UNC Asheville Campus
Saturdays 8 am – Noon (Commuter Parking Lot P34)
1 University Heights, Asheville
Haywood Historic Farmers Market
Saturdays 9 am – Noon
Hart Theater Parking Lot, 250 Pigeon Rd, Waynesville
Art After Dark
Dates: First Fridays of the month (Jun – Dec), 6 – 9 pm
Location: Downtown Waynesville
Visit downtown Waynesville for Art after Dark in the historic Frog Level district. Stroll through galleries, see demonstrations and music, and enjoy refreshments.
Cold Mountain Music Festival
Dates: May 30 – Jun 1, Noon – Late
Location: Lake Logan, 25 Wormy Chestnut Ln, Canton
Get your tickets now for the Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan. It will surely be a fantastic day with five great musical acts, food vendors, crafts, and a gorgeous venue!
WNC Jeepfest
Dates: Jun 6-7, Fri & Sat gates open at 9 am
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
Come and check out some of the fantastic trails unique to the area at the WNC Jeepfest. There will be both automotive and food vendors.
WNC Quick Draw
Dates: May 31, 4:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville
Come and help raise money for art education at the WNC Quick Draw. Local artists race the clock to begin and complete a work of art in an hour while you watch. Types of art include pottery, woodwork, metal sculpture, fiber arts, acrylics, fused glass, jewelry, and basketry. Meet the artists, enjoy great food, and bid on the art!
Maggie Valley SwapMeet
Dates: Jun 19-21, Jul 18-19
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
The Maggie Valley Swap Meet and Car Show features street rods, classics, rat rods, muscle cars, customs, pickups, antiques, and more.
Annual Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend
Dates: Aug 9-10
Location: Shelton House, 49 Shelton St, Waynesville
This two-day Annual Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend will feature many crafters, artists, food, drink, demonstrations, and local bands highlighting Appalachian music.
Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally
Dates: May 2-4, Jun 27-29, Sep 5-7
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
Join the annual Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally for the oldest and largest rally in the Smokies. Enjoy fun rides, including a trip to the Wheels Through Time Museum with a collection of 350 rare motorcycle machines.
Hillbilly Jam
Dates: Jul 25-26, 10 am – 10 pm
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley
Come to the Hillbilly Jam for music, moonshine, cars, and bikes, all paying homage to mountain living.
Festivals: The Beginning of a Western NC Getaway
See what we mean? Are you ready for some summer fun? Plan now for the best summer festivals in Western NC! If you want to enjoy our local arts and crafts, there is even more fun! To beat the heat, why not try a hike that ends in a water hole, where you can leap and play in the water? Plan an extended stay or multiple visits to enjoy what Western NC offers! Call us now and reserve your room at Wildberry Lodge!
Photo Credit: © gilaxia via canva.com, © DOUGBERRY via canva.com
