With school kicking off + hot girl summer currently winding down, it makes sense that August has earned the reputation as the “Sunday of summer.” But luckily we live in Asheville, where people know how to dance, frolic + sip their way through the Sunday scaries.

Join in on the fun and check out these 5 festivals happening in the Asheville area this weekend.

Note: 😷indicates masks will be required; 💉indicates required vaccination proof or negative COVID-19 test. Be sure to check the website for the latest COVID-19 related guidelines before attending.

LEAF Downtown AVL | Fri., Aug. 27-Sat., Aug. 28 | Pack Square Park + LEAF Global | Free | 😷

The 6th annual free festival strives to connect cultures and create community through music, arts education, preservation + experiences. Main stage headliners include Ryan RnB Barber & The Boogi Therapi, Free Planet Radio, Newcleus + Grandmaster Caz. For more, check out our recent article.

Cat Fly Film Fest | Thurs., Aug. 26-Sun., Aug 29 | Various Asheville locations | $20+ | 😷💉

This year’s event is 4 days long — breaking the usual weekend-only format of the past — and will include 25+ short films, 1 feature film, and a number of other offerings including social mixers, film workshops and multimedia collaborations. Read more.

Night in the Country Carolinas Music Festival | Thurs., Aug. 26-Sat., Aug. 28 | Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd. | $125+ | 😷

Barbecue, specialty craft beer + tons of country music. Need we say more? Headliners include Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Chris Young, and Big and Rich.

4th Annual Asheville Cider Crawl | Sat., Aug. 28, 12-10 p.m. | Various Asheville locations | Free | 😷

This daylong cider extravaganza highlights Asheville’s growing cider industry. It features 3 downtown taprooms: Botanist & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop, Urban Orchard Cider Co. – South Slope, and Noble Cider Downtown Taproom, as well as 11 other local stops. Read more.

Greening up the Mountains Festival | Sat., Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Sylva | Free

Now in its 24th year, this heritage arts fest celebrates traditional + contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and drinks. There’s also a 5K, youth talent contest, live music, and 100+ vendor booths.