Memorial Day holds an important spot on our calendar as the unofficial start of summer. More significantly, it’s an opportunity to recognize and honor the servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, while carrying on the spirit of their legacy.
There are many ways to celebrate the holiday weekend this year. Communities across Western North Carolina are holding plant sales, street festivals, and of course, memorial ceremonies. Whatever your interests, there is an event for you.
Stay close to home or venture further afield to enjoy these 2026 Memorial Day events in Asheville and across WNC.
Asheville Beer Week
May 15–29, 2026 | Downtown Asheville and beyond
You don’t have to wait until Memorial Day weekend to enjoy Asheville Beer Week, a brew-centric celebration of experiences, connections, and enjoyment of WNC’s craft beer ecosystem. The two-week, multi-venue calendar features beer tastings, craft beverage dinner pairings, and panel discussions. On May 23, take part in the Beer City 20k Relay and 5k at New Belgium Brewing.
Learn more: exploreasheville.com/asheville-beer-week
Maggie Valley Fly Fishing & Outdoor Festival 2026
May 22–23, 2026 | Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Welcome, fly fishing enthusiasts! Peruse more than 75 vendors showcasing the latest gear in fly fishing and outdoor recreation. Highlights of the two-day event include expert fly fishing workshops and clinics, guided trips and local adventures, family-friendly activities, and conservation education. Connect with fellow fly fishing enthusiasts, celebrate the natural beauty of the mountains, and honor the rich outdoor heritage of WNC.
Learn more: maggievalleyflyfishingfestival.com
22nd Annual White Squirrel Weekend
May 22–24, 2026 | Downtown Brevard
Brevard loves its white squirrel population! The annual White Squirrel Festival combines a stellar live music line-up, a smorgasbord of tasty offerings from vendors and local craft breweries, and an assortment of treasures from dozens of craft and retail vendors into one fantastic event. The weekend also features a pirate ship mobile escape experience, Hoop Jam hula hoop dance, and Edenton Tea Party Commemoration. Music headliners for the weekend include Mountain Grass Unit, Big Richard, and Brevard’s own Travis Book & Friends.
Learn more: brevardnc.org
The Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition
May 22–24, 2026 | NC Arboretum, Asheville
The annual Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society exhibition promises to be the most spectacular exhibition of roses in WNC. Dozens of varieties of fragrant, locally grown roses will be on display, including rare and beautiful blooms from some of the region’s most admired gardens, along with lovely easy-care roses perfect for your garden. Rose experts will be available to offer helpful gardening tips and answer your questions. Event free with Arboretum parking fee.
Learn more: ncarboretum.org
17th Annual Concerts on the Creek
May 22, 2026 @ 7:00–9:00 PM | Sylva
The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up each summer to produce the 15-week Concerts on the Creek series every Friday at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva. This year’s kickoff event on Memorial Day weekend will feature the nostalgic sounds of The ‘80s Rewind Band. These events are free, with donations encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No coolers or tents, and no smoking/vaping. Food trucks will be available on select nights.
Learn more: mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek
Garden Jubilee
May 23–24, 2026 @ 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Main Street, Hendersonville
More than 200 plant and craft vendors will line Main Street during Garden Jubilee, one of the largest gardening shows in WNC. The two-day garden and plant extravaganza features local and regional nurseries selling thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and hard-to-find plants. Crafters will offer distinctive garden art, and there will be handmade lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, planters, wind chimes, birdhouses, soaps, and pottery. Visitors can also learn the latest techniques and tips from gardening experts.
Learn more: visithendersonvillenc.com/garden-jubilee
5th Annual Downtown Asheville Memorial Day Weekend Festival of the Arts with Craft Marketplace
May 23–24, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Downtown Asheville
See some of the finest locally made art alongside national artists’ works during this free, outdoor event. A scenic stroll amongst sparkling jewels, one-of-a-kind paintings, exquisitely crafted glasswork, stunning sculpture, and every medium of hand-made art—all in the artist’s mecca that is downtown Asheville—rounds out the perfect Memorial Day Weekend for art appreciators. The show is set up on the streets of North and South Pack Square.
Learn more: artfestival.com
Cruzin’ To The Hollers
May 23, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–8:00 PM | Burnsville
The sole purpose of Cruzin’ To The Hollers is to bring the automotive family together to raise public awareness of the continuing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. See Burnsville Town Square come to life for a full day of fun for all ages! From a car show, vendor square, and community crawl to live music, kids games, food trucks, and more, there’s something happening around every corner.
Learn more: cruzintothehollers.com
Lake Lure Memorial Day Grand Reopening
May 23, 2026 @ 12:00–9:30 PM | Lake Lure
Join Lake Lure Inn & Spa on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the holiday, the lake’s long-awaited reopening, and being together again. This fun community event will feature music, food and drinks, games, and best of all … fireworks!
Learn more: facebook.com/events
Saturday Night Lights
May 23, 2026 @ 5:00–10:00 PM | Tryon International, Mill Spring
Visit Tryon International on select Saturday nights May–October to enjoy the signature “Saturday Night Lights” event series. These action-packed nights feature free family fun, live music, entertainment, and a carnival atmosphere in Legends Plaza, followed by Grand Prix Show Jumping action in Tryon Stadium. Grab dinner at one of the center’s on-site restaurants, enjoy a beverage at the Silver Spoon Saloon, and cheer on your favorite horses and riders!
Learn more: resort.tryon.com/events
2 Asheville Community Band Memorial Day Concerts
May 23 & May 24, 2026 | Asheville
The Asheville Community Band was organized in October 1979 and now features more than 90 musicians ranging in age from high school to octogenarian. They truly represent Western North Carolina, with members from six counties. Asheville Community Band’s fun-filled, family friendly, all-American free concerts feature military music, marches, and wind band favorites. Bring a chair and enjoy the show. Free (with Biltmore admission for May 24th estate performance).
Learn more: ashevillecommunityband.com/concerts
4th Annual Live at Springdale
May 24, 2026 @ 5:30–8:00 PM | Springdale Resort, Canton
Be a part of this new mountain tradition! Kick back and enjoy Memorial Day weekend with live music and great company at Springdale. Springdale Resort is an 18-hole championship-level golf course offering a unique “stay and play” golf experience. This year, Springdale is hosting Balsam Range and Holler Choir during their evening of live music.
Learn more: themountaineer.com/calendar
Memorial Day Ceremony at Western NC State Veterans Cemetery
May 25, 2026 @ 10:00 AM | Black Mountain
The Memorial Day Ceremony at Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, just east of Asheville, gives you a focused way to observe the holiday. You will be on cemetery grounds with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop, joining local officials, the state of North Carolina, and veterans organizations in honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service. After the program, continue your day with a drive to nearby Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks.
Learn more: lake.com/events
Weaverville Memorial Day Holiday and Observance
May 25, 2026 @ 11:00 AM | Weaverville Community Center, Weaverville
The general public is invited to attend the Weaverville annual Memorial Day observance, with a picturesque view of Lake Louise. The day’s program is filled with a diverse range of activities, including an invocation and benediction led by Rev. Lou Grant, patriotic melodies performed by the Asheville Senior Chorus, a rifle salute by the Weaverville Police Department, “Taps” played by the Weaverville Fire Department, and live bagpipes by Howard Dusenbery. This year’s guest speaker is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (retired) Donald Funderud.
Learn more: weavervillenc.org
The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band Quintet
May 25, 2026 @ 1:00 PM | NC Arboretum, Asheville
While sharing the Air Force’s mission to honor veterans, inspire patriotism, and connect communities, Langley Winds brings a unique energy to every stage. Activated in 1941, The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band has a rich history of inspiring public patriotism and enhancing esprit de corps among all the U.S. military service branches. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, their dynamic repertoire showcases both artistry and innovation.
Learn more: ncarboretum.org
