It’s no secret that our GreyBeard Realty broker team has its collective fingers on the pulse of our region’s market and exhibits a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the best Asheville and Western North Carolina neighborhoods. However, they are also local people who love these mountains and are eager to share some of their favorite summer activities with you.
As summer officially begins during the month of June, we are sharing some of our team’s favorite summer activities and events.
Downtown After 5 (June 20, August 15)
Pack Square Park, centrally located in downtown Asheville, is the staging area for three great performances. This year’s free summer concert series will take place on June 20th and August 15th. The June 20th event will feature Southern Avenue and DJ Phantom Pantone. The August 15th headliner is Mustache the Band and will be opened by Take the Wheel.
Asheville Tourists Baseball
While Tourist baseball innings have been in play since the spring months, a whole summer of high-energy fun is ahead. Plan a Tourist baseball outing on a Thirsty Thursday, Friday $1 hot dog night, Jersey Giveaway Saturday, or check the schedule for post-game fireworks.
Asheville Art in the Park (June 21, 28)
As local artists make their comeback, what better way to support their resilient nature and two decades of this event than by visiting this year’s Asheville Art in the Park in Pack Square and perusing art exhibits to find the best works of glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry, and more.
Arbor Evenings at The North Carolina Arboretum (June 11-September 18)
Golden hour in the mountains is best spent sipping and strolling around The North Carolina Arboretum’s gardens. Arbor Evenings include a night of live music and occur every Wednesday and Thursday over the summer months, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Biltmore Estate (March 21-January 4)
The Biltmore Estate’s perennially loved summer activities include tours of the Biltmore House and grounds, visits to Antler Hill Village & Winery, and strolls through the immaculate gardens. This year, The Biltmore is featuring nearly 1,000 crafted replicas of King Tut’s burial items. The exhibit gives visitors a chance to step back in time to visit King Tut’s tomb and the treasures within.
Black Mountain Park Rhythms (June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24)
Grab your lawn chair or blanket and check out one of Black Mountain’s favorite events – the annual Park Rhythms Concert Series. This year’s series takes place in June and July and features artists such as Colby Helps & The Virginia Creepers, Sluice, Fust, Lorg, and Tyler Ramsey.
This year’s events will take place at the Black Mountain Town Square from 6-8 p.m. and are free of charge!
4th of July Celebrations
No matter your desired location, watching a fireworks display against the backdrop of the mountains is a magical experience.
For some, McCormick Field’s Independence Day fireworks at an Asheville Tourists baseball game is a popular spot.
The Town of Montreat hosts the popular Montreat Parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by a variety of free activities that include an Ice Cream Social, lawn games, and free entry to the Montreat Pool, paddle boats, and tennis courts. The night ends with a Fourth of July Big Circle Mountain Dance from 7-10 p.m.
In Downtown Asheville, the Independence Day Block Party takes place on the South Slope and includes live performances from the 100th Army Band and the Mission Accomplished Band. Fireworks take place downtown around 9:30 p.m.
Black Mountain fireworks begin around dusk and are launched behind the Starbucks in town.
Freedom Park is the site of a magnificent fireworks display if you are in the Lake James & Morganton area.
Shindig on the Green (July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 9, 16, 23)
Shindig on the Green has been a well-loved Asheville tradition for 59 seasons and counting. The event showcases the music and dance of 
Southern Appalachia at Pack Square Park. The Stoney Creek Boys perform in addition to bluegrass and old-time string bands, clog dancers, ballad singers, and more.
Concessions are available from Bear’s Smokehouse and The Hop Ice Cream Cafe.
The event begins “along about sundown” – or around 7 p.m.
Concerts at Asheville Yards
Asheville Yards is one of Asheville’s premier music concert venues. The summer opens with artists such as Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Gary Clark Jr, Yonder Mountain String Band, Iron & Wine, The Head and The Heart, Sierra Ferrell, and quite a few other big industry names.
Montford Park Players
North Carolina's longest-running Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Montford Park Players, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike! Families can enjoy free outdoor productions from May to October (Friday-Sunday) at the outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre near downtown Asheville. Bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, as seating is limited. Concessions are available, but most people bring their own snacks to enjoy during the show. This summer, productions include the Bard’s marvelous Merry Wives of Windsor (6/6-6/28) and A 
Midsummer Night's Dream (7/4-8/2). All productions start at 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
In addition to these storied summer events, our Asheville realtor team loves all things outdoors, art, food, and drink. Art galleries are plentiful, along with glass blowing centers, artist studios, as well as an entire section of town devoted to the arts – The River Arts District. Award-winning restaurants and breweries are prevalent and reflect the inspiring artistry of the mountain culture. Our mountains also offer incredible access to pristine national forests and wilderness areas with trail running, hiking, and biking trails, featuring lush woodlands, refreshing waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain vistas.