Asheville – Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, signaling the end of summer. This weekend serves as the last hurrah before the chill of fall settles in, with many events on the agenda. With so many amazing festivals and celebrations to choose from, how does one decide? Fortunately, some events are scheduled for different weekends.
Hendersonville Apple Festival
Across the United States, small-town holiday events have long been a highlight for their citizens, and Hendersonville excels in offering such events. The Apple Festival has been a premier family festival for over 70 years and lasts all four days of the holiday weekend, from Friday, August 30 to September 2. The Street Fair is open daily in downtown Hendersonville. The festival will showcase an array of attractions, including freshly picked apples, arts and crafts vendors, delectable festival food, and a diverse range of events and entertainment options for all ages. Additionally, the festival will feature a variety of engaging children’s activities, ensuring a fun-filled experience for families. From face painting to interactive games, there will be something for every young attendee, along with a street fair, parade, entertainment stage, educational displays, and children’s activities.
Entertainment includes Buddy K Big Band, Catalina’s Party Band, and The Mighty Kicks, culminating in the grand King Apple Parade on Monday at 2:30 PM. For the full schedule, visit https://www.ncapplefestival.org/.
Annual Canton Labor Day Festival
On September 1-2, Sorrels Street Park will host the 116th Canton Labor Day Festival. This local favorite returns with some of your most-loved breweries, an exciting music lineup, food, and local arts and crafts vendors.
Activities include a handcraft expo, a parade that winds through the downtown district featuring over 100 homemade floats, a Car Cruise-In showcasing both autos and motorcycles, Ultimate Air Dogs Deck Diving—one of the premier dock jumping organizations in the country—and children’s activities such as inflatables, “Let’s Go Play” All-Abilities Games, the Canton Splash Pad (bring a change of clothes for the inflatables), a Calm Corner Sensory Station, balloon twisting, and face painting.
Over the two days, there will be 10 bands performing, with headliners Marshall Tucker Band on Sunday and Balsam Range on Monday. Chairs are required; no standing is allowed. There is a small fee to attend. Get tickets at https://www.cantonlaborday.com/.
Henry VI
Henry VI: 1.2 is in town but only for a few more days. The Montford Park Players proudly present Henry VI, parts one and two. This performance is part of the Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses season. All shows are free. Final performances will take place from Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1, from 7:30 to 10 PM.
Mile High Kite Festival
The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Mile High Kite Festival on August 31 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM as part of the town’s Labor Day Weekend festivities. The celebration begins the night before with a street dance outside Beech Mountain Town Hall at 6 PM (403 Beech Mountain Parkway). Why “Mile High”? Because Beech Mountain is 5,506 feet above sea level, making it the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi—perfect for flying kites.
September 6-7—More Big Events
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL, taking place September 6-7, is a vibrant tribute to Asheville’s rich history, arts, and culture. It will showcase an eclectic mix of performances, trail tours, and community-driven activities while commemorating the 100th anniversaries of the Jackson Building, J.A. Wilson Building, and Battery Park Hotel; the 105th anniversary of the Basilica of St. Lawrence & Mount Zion Baptist; and the 115th anniversary of the Legal Building.
The festival will feature an array of artists, musicians, and storytellers. The Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will kick off their new season alongside bands including Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Toubab Krewe, The Rumble, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and many more. The festival is free, but they do ask you to RSVP on their website: https://www.boomtownfestavl.com/rsvp.
The Dirty Dancing Festival is no more; in its place is the new Vintage Vibes, taking place September 6-8 in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Vintage Vibes will feature the Super 60s Band, an art show, the iconic Lake Lift competition, a free movie on the beach followed by an after-party at Sunken Buffalo and Riverside Event Center.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy!