Summer's almost here and Asheville is so ready. From live music and celebrations to hiking and festivals, summer is when the 828 comes alive.

Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring 15+ summer events happening between May and August.

Concerts and live music

AVLFest | Thursday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | Various locations | $135-$250 | After a big bang last year, the concert halls, clubs, bars, and outdoor venues of Asheville are coming together again for the second year of the festival — explore the first-wave lineup then grab your tickets.

Are you ready for round two? | Photo via AVLFest

All about the arts

LEAF Global Arts Retreat | Thursday, May 9-Sunday, May 12 | Times vary | Lake Eden, 377 Lake Eden Rd., Black Mountain | $56-$270 | This intimate version of the large fall festival still hosts talented artists, enlightening experiences, and informative workshops all weekend long.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands | Wednesday, July 18-Sunday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $12 | Artists will fill the concourse and arena levels with works of clay, wood, metal, glass, leather, mixed media, and more (plus, live music and craft demonstrations). Kids under 12 get in free.

5th Annual 103.3 Asheville FM Record Fair | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $5-$20 | Browse a plethora of records, 45s, CDs, and collectibles while jamming to DJ sets and performances from local artists — proceeds benefit the station.

Summer festivals

GrindFest AVL | Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26 | Times vary | A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville | Free | The weekend celebration of local Black entrepreneurs + business owners will be filled with music, performances, food, and chances for employment, partnership, and learning.

Connect Beyond Festival | Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9 | Times vary | Various locations | Prices TBD | After a 2023 hiatus, Asheville’s version of SXSW returns with a lineup of art, music, film, and media through screenings, fireside chats, workshops and more. This year’s theme is “connection to deepen resilience and keep moving forward.”

Asheville Ideas Fest | Monday, June 17-Thursday, June 20 | Times vary | UNC Asheville, 1 University Heights, Asheville | $1500-$2000 | Network, learn, and be inspired as experts discuss everything from leadership and technology to theoretical physics and equity for service workers.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival | Thursday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Rd., Swannanoa | $5-$55 | Celebrate the talent and traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and the dancers, musicians, and storytellers who are keeping it alive.

The honey-focused festival is a good first step for burgeoning beekeepers. | Photo via Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce

Asheville Comedy Festival | Wednesday, Aug. 7-Saturday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | Various locations | $46+ | The festival lineup will be announced in June — but we do know that Tom Segura will be headlining on his "Come Together" tour (and you can get tickets for that now).

Sourwood Festival | Saturday, Aug. 10-Sunday, Aug. 11 | Times vary | Downtown Black Mountain | Marking the beginning of the sourwood honey season each year since 1977, the festival features streets of vendors and live music.

Bite Me AVL | Wednesday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 18 | Times vary | Various locations | $79-$149 | This brand new festival from JD Ellison & Company and partners will feature cooking classes, gourmet dinners, workshops, culinary conversations, and late-night after parties.

Crack up at the Asheville Comedy Festival. | Photo by @ashevillecomedyfest

Boomtown FestAVL | Friday, Sept. 6-Saturday, Sept. 7 | Times vary | Downtown Asheville | Free, RSVP | The inaugural festival will pay tribute to Asheville's architectural history and arts and culture scene with live music, trail tours, building centennial celebrations, and healing arts.

Goombay Festival | Friday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 29 | Downtown Asheville | Free | After taking a pause last year, the YMI Cultural Center is planning to bring back the annual celebration of the culture, art, food, and entertainment of Asheville's African American community.

Hola Asheville | Date + times TBA | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville | Free | The heart of Asheville will light up with the music, pageantry, art, and food of Latin America for a festival hosted by Hola Carolina.

Seasonal essentials

Tired of losing your sunglasses in the water? These floating sunglasses provide optimal clarity and comfort for all your summer adventures.
Shield yourself from the sun while adding a touch of flair to your outfit with one of our hats.
This iceless cooler keeps your drinks cold for 7 hours.

Did we miss your favorite summer event? Let us know.