Best Summer Events in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective

It's summer once again here in Asheville. A time of leisure, fine weather, and long sunlit days , perfect for delving into all the great things to do in the Paris of the South.

Hiking’s always been a favorite of mine, of course. Follow that up with a little local ice cream, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a real summer’s day. But that’s not where the fun ends here folks. Summer in Asheville is one of the best times of year to experience the local arts and culture, to really get a sense of what it means to live out here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

So if you’re looking for a little bit of a adventure, then read on, and discover five of the best annual summer events in Asheville.

Image from Unsplash

1: Slip and Slide Down Sliding Rock

For time immemorial, locals have been journeying on up to Sliding Rock, south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a little fun in the sun come summertime. How it works: there is a big ol’ inclined rockface, and a slick of water which runs down it. Its nature’s waterslide. 

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, sees many a local and tourist alike come around for a little cold plunge. The water stays under sixty degrees even on the hottest days, making it the perfect spot to cool off, all the while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Sliding Rock’s open 9am to 6pm, every day of the week, and entry costs five dollars. Be wary though: this is one heck of a popular place. For best results, the common wisdom is to visit on a weekday morning, avoiding the much busier weekend hours.

While you’re out on the Parkway, I do recommend checking out one of the awesome summer hikes you might find along the way, namely Looking Glass Falls and Looking Glass Rock.

Image from Unsplash

2: Visit the RAD Farmer’s Market

Those who know me know I love a good farmer’s market, and luckily, here in Asheville you got your pick of some of the best in the region. Come summer, in fact, so many markets are open that you can practically visit one every day of the week. 

If that day happens to be Wednesday, then I do recommend checking out the River Arts District Farmer’s Market. Located just across said river, facing Asheville’s one-and-only iconic artist’s colony, a visit here is the perfect way to stock up for a picnic, source ingredients for a locally-grown dinner, or simply get out and enjoy some summer vibes.

Two of my favorite vendors include Three Graces Diary, for creamy goat cheese and sophisticated aged blocks, as well as Lee’s One Fortune Farm, for out-of-this-world produce.

The market’s open from 3pm to 6pm, every Wednesday of the summer, conveniently located outside the New Belgium Brewing Company. Check out their website for parking information, and a full list of local vendors.

Image from Unsplash

3: Listen to Some Bluegrass at Shindig on the Green

For nearly sixty years now the summer's seen Asheville be host to one of the best music jams anywhere in the Southeast, showcasing traditional mountain music and dance styles including bluegrass, clogging and even some bonafide folk ballads.

Starting in late July, and continuing every Saturday into mid-August, the show starts at 7pm in downtown's Pack Square Park. Like Downtown After Five, entry is completely free, making for a friendly local crowd full of people who love nothing more than a little music and dancing under the summer’s night sky. 

Concessions can be bought from Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue and the Hop Icecream, with plenty more local restaurants and sweetshops scattered all around the vicinity of Pack Square Park. 

Image from Wix

4: Get Some Tickets to a Tourists Game

Ah, America’s favorite pastime. Nothing quite so nostalgic as sitting out in the shade on a summer afternoon with a cool drink, watching some live-and-present minor league baseball. Indeed, it makes me feel downright patriotic. 

Here in Asheville, we’re proud to have named our home-team after our favorite migratory species: the tourist. Games start running in April and go into early August, with tickets all running under twenty-five dollars. Pair that with a one-dollar hotdog, and you truly got yourself some summer fun in Asheville.

Be sure to check out their website for promotions, special events, and of course, the all-important parking information.

Image from Wix

5: Catch an Outdoor Show at Asheville Yards

Longtime followers of the Asheville Cottages blog will know just how important music is to our local identity. Practically every bar and brewery on the South Slope is proud to host local and traveling acts, and the many music halls in town are well-known in WNC as concert venues like none other.

All this is taken to another level come the summer touring season, when the weather is just perfect for a night-time outdoor show at Asheville Yards. Formerly “Rabbit Rabbit” this expansive South Slope venue is a must-see for music lovers of all stripes. 

Head on over to their website for tickets, and rundown of upcoming acts. The season of my writing this article, they happen to be doing a triple-feature of Pixies, Spoon, and Fazerdaze. I for could not be more excited. Yet another perk of experiencing summer in Asheville.

Businesses Mentioned

Sliding Rock

(828)-577-4910

US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

RAD Farmer's Market

New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806

Asheville Tourists Stadium

(828)-258-0428

30 Buchanan Pl, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Yards

75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801