ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Memorial Day weekend brings festivals, concerts, outdoor events, family activities and arts events to Asheville and communities across Western North Carolina. For readers looking for official ceremonies and observances honoring the holiday, 828newsNOW has also compiled a guide to Memorial Day events in WNC.
Here’s a look at some of the events scheduled for May 22-25.
If you only do one thing this weekend
White Squirrel Weekend 2026
Downtown Brevard
May 22-24 | Free admission
Brevard’s White Squirrel Weekend returns for Memorial Day weekend with live music, food vendors, local craft breweries, downtown shopping and more than 80 craft and retail vendors. The long-running festival is one of Brevard’s signature community celebrations and a strong day-trip option for the holiday weekend.
Weekend at a glance
- Festival: White Squirrel Weekend 2026
- Arts: 5th Annual Downtown Asheville Memorial Day Weekend Festival of the Arts
- Family-friendly: Shiloh Fun Day Festival or Free Kids Movie
- Outdoors: Lake Lure Beach reopening or Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival
- Live music: Future Islands, Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra Concert or Jazz Jam Sundays
- Stage: Seussical the Musical
- Holiday weekend event: Memorial Day Evening Picnic & Glow Golf
Festivals
5th Annual Downtown Asheville Memorial Day Weekend Festival of the Arts
Downtown Asheville
Saturday and Sunday | Free admission
The Downtown Asheville Memorial Day Weekend Festival of the Arts is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The event includes artists and makers offering fine art, crafts and handmade goods.
No Where To Wear Party
Haiku, Asheville
Friday | Ticketed
The No Where To Wear Party is scheduled for Friday at Haiku. The event invites guests to wear formal, unusual or rarely worn outfits.
Family-friendly & community
Shiloh Fun Day Festival
Shiloh Community, Asheville
Sunday, 1-9 p.m. | Free
The Shiloh Fun Day Festival is scheduled for Sunday in Asheville’s Shiloh community. The event includes food, music and community activities.
Free Kids Movie
Asheville area
Date and time vary | Free
A free kids movie is scheduled during the holiday weekend. Check the event listing for the movie title, location and showtime.
Montford Block Party + Musical Beats Bingo
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, Asheville
Saturday, 5-8 p.m. | Free
The Montford Block Party + Musical Beats Bingo is scheduled for Saturday evening. The event includes music, games and neighborhood activities.
Outdoors & daytime
Lake Lure Beach reopening
Lake Lure
Memorial Day weekend | Admission may vary
Lake Lure Beach is scheduled to reopen Memorial Day weekend. Visitors should check the town or attraction’s latest updates for hours, admission information and any weather-related changes.
Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
Friday and Saturday | Prices vary
The Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The event includes fly fishing vendors, casting instruction, food vendors and outdoor activities.
Memorial Day Evening Picnic & Glow Golf
Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
Sunday, 7-10 p.m. | Ticketed
The Memorial Day Evening Picnic & Glow Golf event is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Omni Grove Park Inn. The event includes picnic-style dining, music and glow golf.
Live music & nightlife
Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra Concert
East Asheville
Date and time vary | Free
The Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the East Asheville Library. The performance includes music from many era and styles played by Mountain Dulcimers family instruments.
Future Islands
The Orange Peel, Asheville
Friday, May 23 | Free admission
Future Islands is scheduled to perform with Ear Pwr on Friday at The Orange Peel.
Jazz Jam Sundays
Asheville area
Sunday, May 24 | Free admission
Jazz Sunday is a weekly open jam in Ginger’s Revenge Riverside Tasting Room. All are welcome to bring an instrument and play or watch musicians.
Arts & culture
Seussical the Musical
Asheville area
May 22 – 24, times vary | Ticketed
There are three performances of “Seussical the Musical” scheduled throughout the weekend at Diana Wortham Theater.
May Paint & Sip Nights
Waynesville
Date and time vary | Ticketed
May Paint & Sip Nights are designed for friendship, creativity and a night out. Check the event listing for paint projects by date and registration details.
Looking ahead
Additional concerts, festivals, markets and outdoor events are scheduled across Asheville and Western North Carolina in the coming weeks. Find more local listings on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Some events may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled because of weather or other conditions. Check official event listings for the latest updates before attending.
More things to do this summer
Looking beyond Memorial Day weekend? 828newsNOW’s Summer in Asheville and Western North Carolina guide includes seasonal festivals, day trips, outdoor activities, concerts, family outings and dog-friendly places to go.
