ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The weekend brings a busy mix of concerts, arts events, family outings, community gatherings and outdoor activities across Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Here’s a look at some of the top things to do May 15–17.
If you only do one thing this weekend
Downtown After 5: Latin Dance Night
Pack Square Park, Asheville
Friday, 5-9 p.m. | Free
Downtown After 5 returns Friday with Latin Dance Night in Pack Square Park. The evening features headliner La Sonora Carolina and opening act Ulisse Rotoli on flamenco guitar. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, along with a marketplace featuring local makers.
Weekend at a glance
- Date night: Cinderella, the Ballet
- Family-friendly: Saluda Arts Festival
- Arts & culture: Newsies Jr.
- Live music: Downtown After 5 or Bluegrass Jam
- Outdoors & daytime: WNC Bike Fest
- Community gathering: Oscar Wong Day, or Empty Bowls in Flat Rock
Live music & nightlife
Friday Music at New Belgium
New Belgium Brewing, Asheville
Friday, 5:30 p.m. | Free
New Belgium Brewing’s Friday night live series continues with Jamie Hendrickson and Datrian Hohnson in the Electric Quartet.
Cristina Vane
The Grey Eagle, Asheville
Friday, 8 p.m. | Ticketed
Singer-songwriter Cristina Vane brings a mix of Americana, blues and roots music to The Grey Eagle for a Friday night show.
Bluegrass Jam
Foothills Watershed, Old Fort
Saturday, 1 p.m. | Free
Musicians and listeners can gather for an afternoon bluegrass jam at Foothills Watershed. Players are invited to bring their instruments, and guests can stop in to enjoy the music.
MAYDAY AVL 5
Sly Grog Lounge, Asheville
Saturday and Sunday | Ticketed
MAYDAY AVL returns with two days, two stages and 20 bands at Sly Grog Lounge. The festival lineup includes indie rock, punk, metal, Americana, electronic music and performance art.
Family-friendly & community
Saluda Arts Festival
Downtown Saluda
Saturday, 10 a.m. | Free
The Saluda Arts Festival brings artists, makers and visitors to downtown Saluda for a day of art, shopping and community gathering. The annual festival is a family-friendly day-trip option for those looking to explore one of Western North Carolina’s small mountain towns.
2026 Visitor Celebration Day
Cherokee
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free
Cherokee’s Visitor Celebration Day features live music, entertainment, stickball demonstrations, traditional dancers, giveaways, local vendors and food trucks.
Empty Bowls
Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock
Sunday, noon-6 p.m. | Ticketed
This community fundraiser features work from local ceramic artists and supports the Flat Rock Backpack Program.
Arts & culture
Cinderella, the Ballet
Wortham Center, Asheville
Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. | Ticketed
The Asheville Ballet presents “Cinderella, the Ballet,” a professional production featuring classical and contemporary choreography.
Newsies Jr.
Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville
Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. | Ticketed
Asheville Community Theatre’s youth production of “Newsies Jr.” brings the Disney musical to the stage. The 60-minute show is based on the 1992 film and 2012 Broadway musical, inspired by the story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City.
Art in the Park
Downtown Blowing Rock
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free
Blowing Rock’s juried art show returns with artists’ tents along Park Avenue, offering a day-trip option for art lovers.
Outdoors & daytime
WNC Bike Fest
Ecusta Brewing Co., Brevard
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free
Pisgah Area SORBA’s second annual WNC Bike Fest brings cycling enthusiasts together for guided group rides, demo bikes, live music, outdoor vendors, a raffle and a kids’ skills park. A portion of beverage sales will support trail work in Pisgah National Forest.
Cars and Cornmeal
Francis Grist Mill, Waynesville
Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ticketed
This daytime event includes a car show, milling demonstrations, local crafters and food at the historic Francis Grist Mill.
Food, drink & local gathering
SOOZA at Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Fletcher
Saturday, 2-5 p.m. | Free
The Gainesville, Florida, brass band SOOZA brings a free afternoon performance to Sierra Nevada’s amphitheater. A casual afternoon option.
Oscar Wong Day
Highland Brewing Co., Asheville
Saturday, 11 a.m. | Free
Highland Brewing Co. marks Oscar Wong Day with a community celebration honoring the founder of Asheville’s first legal brewery since Prohibition.
Looking ahead
More concerts, festivals and seasonal events are scheduled throughout May. Find additional local listings and add your own on the 828newsNOW events calendar.
Note
Event details are subject to change. Some events may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled due to weather or other conditions. Check official event listings for the latest updates before attending.
