The Best Western North Carolina Events
Western North Carolina is a picturesque region that plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. From movie and food festivals to live music concerts, our area has something for everyone. Read on to discover more than 40 unique events in Western North Carolina! Afterward, find more fun things to do in our Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Vacation Guide. Our guide is full of information on entertainment, dining, and outdoor recreation, so that you can spend less time planning and more time having fun!
A Calendar of the Best Events in Western North Carolina
JANUARY
One of the best ways to celebrate the new year in North Carolina is the Lake Lure Polar Plunge. Each January, hundreds of brave (and crazy) people support local charities by jumping into the frigid water. Costumes, bonfires, hot chocolate, and a live DJ complete the affair.
Mark your calendar for the following:
- First Day Hike, January 1, 8 – 10am, at Chimney Rock State Park
- Winter Break Animal Encounters, January 1-2, 2pm, at Chimney Rock State Park
- Mindfulness Series: New Beginnings, January 15, 11am – 1pm, at Chimney Rock State Park
- Asheville Restaurant Week, January 18-24, 2022, at participating Asheville area restaurants
FEBRUARY
This February, surprise your loved one with a romantic mountain getaway and a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner at the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant. February is a quiet time of year, which makes this the perfect time to explore natural treasures like Looking Glass Falls and Hickory Nut Falls. During your visit, you can also check out the following events at our inn:
- Groundhog Day Celebration, February 2nd, at Chimney Rock
- Valentine’s Day Dinner, February 12th – 14th, 2022, at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa
- Naturalist Niche: Winter Tree Hike, February 19th, at Chimney Rock
- Souper Supper Competition & Dinner, February 25, 2022, at Riverside Events Center
- Taste of the Gorge Restaurant Week, February 13th – 20th, 2022, at participating restaurants in the Hickory Nut Gorge.
MARCH
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, check out Vintage Market Days of Asheville. This upscale, vintage-inspired market is held in cities across the country and features original art, antiques, clothing, and food. It’s a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for customers of all ages.
- Seasonal Paint and Sip, March 3rd, 2022, at Chimney Rock
- Hike with a Naturalist, March 7th – 28th, 2022, at Chimney Rock
- 2022 Rumble Competition, March 3rd – 6th, 2022, at Morse Park
- Classic Film Series, March 8th, 2022, at Tyron Arts Center
APRIL
If you are looking for something fun to do with the kids, then take them to Earth Day at Chimney Rock State Park! This educational and interactive event happens each April; it’s a free event that takes place rain or shine. Learn about the great work being done to protect our beautiful landscape.
- The Biltmore Blooms Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate
- Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock State Park
- Weaverville Art Safari Spring Studio Tour in Weaverville, NC
- Block House Races Steeplechase, April 16th 2022, at Tryon International Equestrian Center
- Spring Break Animal Encounters, April 6th – 24th, 2022, at Chimney Rock
- Cider, Wine, & Dine Weekend, April 22-24, 2022, in Hendersonville, NC
MAY
The Asheville Herb Festival is the greatest herb festival in the Southeast, and it takes place each May in the heart of Asheville. The festival features products from a wide variety of gardeners and herbalists. Festival-goers can stop by for herbal ointments, balms, soaps, teas, medicines, and more!
- The Asheville Herb Festival at The WNC Farmers Market in Asheville
- Lake Lure Spring Classic Boat and Car Show
- Asheville Beer Week, May 27th – June 5th, 2022
- Jump Off Rock Half Marathon and 10K, May 14th, 2022
- WNC Quilt Guild’s Garden of Quilts Show, May 20th – 21st, 2022
- Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival, May 28th – 30th, 2022
JUNE
June is an exciting month for festivals in Western North Carolina! During the Drums & Dragons Race, participants paddle 250 meters down a chosen local river in 30-foot-long dragon boats, dressed in dragon heads, tails, and scales! Another one of our favorite June events is A Gorge-ous Evening Out at Chimney Rock State Park. You’ll enjoy locally crafted foods, wines, and so much more at this family-friendly event.
- National Get Outdoors Day, June 11th, 2022, at Chimney Rock
- Summer Animal Encounters, June 1st – August 31st, 2022, at Chimney Rock
- Asheville Beer Week, May 27th – June 5th, 2022
JULY
When it comes to Independence Day celebrations, no place does it better than Lake Lure. Gather your family and friends for a fun evening by the water! Some other exciting summer events in July are:
- The Lake Lure Fireworks Celebration at Morse Park Meadows
- NC Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in downtown Asheville, NC
August
The Lake Lure Olympiad is one of the most exciting events of the summer. Attendees can enjoy a 10K, triathlon, and other exciting challenges. Whether you decide to test your athleticism or cheer on participants, we guarantee that you will have the time of your life! If you are visiting in August, don’t miss these other fun events:
- Lake Lure Olympiad Sports Festival in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, NC
- Sourwood Honey Festival in Black Mountain, NC
- Night in the Country Carolinas Music Festival in Tryon, NC
September
The North Carolina Apple Festival takes place each Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Guests can enjoy four days of fun with arts and crafts, free entertainment, baked goods, and plenty of freshly picked apples. Yum! Here are a few more of our favorite events in September:
- NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville, NC
- The NC Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, NC
- Earl Scruggs Music Festival, September 2nd – 4th, 2022
- Dirty Dancing Festival, September 10, 2022
- 14th Flock to the Rock, September 17th – 18th, 2022
October
There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween in Western North Carolina! Don’t miss Halloweenfest in downtown Brevard. Then, watch as vampires, zombies, and ghosts participate in the Flight of the Vampire Run! You can also look forward to a spooky parade, chili cook-off, pumpkin carving contest, haunted house, and masquerade ball. A few other popular events in October include:
- NC Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in downtown Asheville, NC
- Mindfulness Series: Gratitude, November 12, 2022, at Chimney Rock
- Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters, November 25th – 27th, 2022 at Chimney Rock
- Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, October 7th – 10th, 2022 in Cashiers, NC
- North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival, October 22nd, 2022 in Asheville, NC
November
The Biltmore Estate Christmas Celebration kicks off in November. This century-old tradition delights thousands of visitors with over 50 decorated Christmas trees, 65 adorned fireplaces, and countless twinkling lights. Tour the incredible property for a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget. Mark your calendar for the following events this November as well!
- Christmas at Biltmore at Biltmore Estate
- A Christmas Carol at Flat Rock Playhouse
- “Light Up The Gorge” November 27th at 7:00pm
- Forest City Christmas Lights in Forest City, NC
December
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock become a winter wonderland in December, so this is one of the most magical times to visit. Watch Santa scale the world’s largest chimney at Chimney Rock State Park, or watch as millions of sparkling lights illuminate Rutherfordton. Then, join us for our famous Wine Dinner and New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant. You won’t want to miss out on the following festivities:
- Santa on the Chimney, December 5 & 12 between 11am – 2pm, at Chimney Rock State Park
- Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas in Hendersonville, NC
- Small Town Christmas in Rutherfordton, NC
- Winterfest in Tryon, NC
- New Year’s Eve Dinner, December 31, at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa
- New Year’s Eve beachside bonfire with fireworks will be held at the beach in Lake Lure
BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE ESMERALDA INN & RESTAURANT
Now that you’ve found the best events in Western North Carolina, it’s time to plan your trip! Our Chimney Rock bed and breakfast is the perfect place to stay and offers top-notch accommodations and amenities. Rest up in one of our comfortable guest rooms, or reserve a cozy cabin. Complimentary breakfast, spa services, and dinner at our award-winning restaurant are a few perks to enjoy during your stay.
When you are ready to plan your next getaway, check our availability and book your stay. We can’t wait to host you at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant!