Look no further for fun things to do in Asheville THIS WEEKEND May 19th - 21st, 2017!
Downtown After 5 - Friday May 19th, 2017
Head to North Lexington Avenue downtown for the very first free favorite of the season. Downtown After 5 kicks off summer with a pre-Memorial Day concert on May 19, featuring headliner High & Mighty Brass Band, which combines New Orleans funk and R&B with afro-beat and hip-hop influences. Opening up the evening at 5 p.m. is a local favorite, the Josh Phillips Big Band. The warm-weather concert series is held on a large stage set up near the I-240 overpass on North Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville, and it runs on the third Friday of each month, from May to September, with a new band on stage. Lining the streets during the event are a variety of food and drink vendors, including local, regional and national beer as well as wine and soda. Food trucks at the event include DOGS, Kernal Mike's Kettle Corn, Gypsy Queen Cuisine, The Grubbery, Scott's Knots, Smoky Mountain Corn Roasters and Sunshine Sammies. For more information, head to ashevilledowntown.org
The 14th Annual Montford Music & Arts Festival - Saturday May 20th, 2017
Come, experience and enjoy Asheville’s largest, longest running, single day neighborhood street festival. See for yourself why so many visitors return each year to hear the music, dine on local cuisine, and shop from some of the finest artisans in the area.
Located on the main street of the Historic Montford neighborhood, the festival has a new look with entertainment stages, artist and vendor booths, and central food court all now on one street, Montford Avenue. While visiting the neighborhood, you will walk the tree lined street, where trolley’s used to travel, marvel at unique architecture, from turn of the century “Victorian” to Arts and Craft designs and observe the diversity mix of its proud neighbors, who yearly volunteer to be your hosts for the festival.
This same neighborhood boosts a connection to many great entertainers in the area which is where we draw the flavor of the festival. You will discover an extraordinary mix of music for all tastes, both young and old that begins at 10:00 AM and continues till 7:00 PM on both stages.
The Montford Music and Arts Festival is known for its many quality craft persons and artists who return every year to offer their wares. Our special Juried Artists section exemplifies the degree of excellence you will find at the festival as those artists vie for ranking.
Last but definitely not least is a taste of Asheville. Food trucks have become the rage as moving restaurants and we bring you an entire area devoted to them and every taste pallet. In addition, we have specialty foods perfect for snacking while enjoying the music or visiting the booths.
Put the 2017 Montford Music and Arts Festival on your list of To Do events and join us on Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM on the main street of Montford Avenue just down from the Asheville Visitor’s Center in Historic Montford Neighborhood.
New Belgium Brewing Tour de Fat Festival Asheville - Saturday May 20th, 2017
Grab your tickets and start planning for the Asheville Tour de Fat on May 20, 2017. Expect to experience the unexpected. We're bringing the party with Third Eye Blind and the Tour de Fat ensemble cast of performers. Ready your eyes and ears for a mix of musicians, circus performers, vaudeville acts, magicians, comedians, and mind-blowing provocateurs. Costumes are highly encouraged (and a mindset to party is mandatory). Tour de Fat Asheville benefits *Asheville on Bikes, so be sure to grab your tix today.
*Asheville on Bikes
The mission of Asheville on Bikes is to cultivate the culture of urban and commuter cycling through advocacy & celebration. We believe that cycling has a direct impact on the health of our community. More information can be found at http://ashevilleonbikes.com/
Box Office will open at 12:00 pm on site the day of the show.
River Arts District Spring Studio Stroll - May 20th and 21st from 10am to 5pm
The Artists of Asheville’s River Arts District open their doors for a full weekend in the Spring Studio Stroll, welcoming the public to see and collect amazing art in their studios and galleries. There is no better time to meet our artists and watch live demonstrations!
We are a diverse group of more than 220 working artists in studios and galleries housed in 22 former factories and historical buildings nestled along a mile-long stretch of the French Broad River. Many studios, showrooms, and galleries are open every day, all year round. You can discover works in paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, paper, glass, wax, and more!
Getting to the River Arts District is easy (Here's a map!). Take advantage of ample parking and hop aboard one of our free trolleys running throughout the Studio Stroll Weekend.
Come for the opportunity to take home that special artistic treasure made and sold by the artists you meet here. Start your collection today!
Spring Biltmore Blooms Until May 25th
- Early May: It's peak time in the massive 20-acre azalea garden of a millon blossoms, ablaze in shades of pink, purple, orange, red and white. Take a hike on the walking trails to discover blooms throughout the estate.
- Late May: The rose garden smells as wonderful as it looks. Home to the Biltmore International Rose Trials, see more than 200 varieties. Summer perennials and annuals take over the Walled Garden.
May Roses
Antler Hill Village & Winery Events
- Weekend live music in the Bandstand
- Visit with the friendly resident animals at the farm and their spring newborns such as baby goats, lambs, chicks and bunnies.