Year-Round Saluda NC Events & Festivities Guide
Explore seasonal events in Saluda, NC. From spring art walks to winter festivals, discover unique activities for your next mountain getaway at Orchard Inn.
Seasonal Events In Western North Carolina
When you stay at The Orchard Inn, you’ll never run out of things to do! Hike through the mountains, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, visit the city of Asheville, and more. Plus, there are tons of Western NC events and Asheville, NC, festivals throughout the year! Whether you happen to catch one during your visit to Saluda, NC, or are planning your vacation around one of them, here are a few of our favorites. Stay up to date with our Asheville calendar of events!
In the Spring
First Friday Art Walks | April - December
We look forward to First Friday Art Walks! Art enthusiasts can get a glimpse into many of the beautiful galleries of Asheville. If you’re in WNC on the first Friday of the month, you’re in luck! You can add this to your Asheville calendar of events. There are 25 galleries to choose from within a half-mile radius, so you can easily visit as many as you please.
Saluda Arts Festival | May
The Saluda Arts Festival has become a springtime tradition in Western North Carolina. Thousands of people gather each May to celebrate the art and culture of our small town. More than 80 artists and crafters set up their booths with paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and more. It’s the perfect place to find something unique!
The Garden Jubilee Festival | May
The Garden Jubilee Festival draws more than 20,000 people to the area to make it one of the most popular Western NC events on our list. At this festival, garden enthusiasts and those wanting to learn more about the art of landscaping can buy nearly every plant available while learning tips and tricks from regional gardening experts. Plus, it’s conveniently located in our neighboring town, Hendersonville.
Asheville Beer Week | May
Make sure you add Asheville Beer Week to your Asheville calendar of events! This city has become known for craft beer, and beer lovers travel from all over to taste these brews. During the week, you can expect some education, live music, great food, and, of course, tastings!
Downtown After 5 | May - September
One of the most popular activities our guests enjoy is taking a day trip to Asheville. If you’re visiting the city during one of the Downtown After 5 concerts, you’re in for a treat! This Asheville, NC, festival occurs on the third Friday of the month throughout the spring and summer. Enjoy free concerts while sipping on wine and local beer! Be sure to put this one on your Asheville calendar of events.
Special Brunches And Dinners - Newman's Restaurant
Here at the Orchard Inn’s very own restaurant, Newman’s, we pride ourselves on offering fantastic, delicious meals to everyone who comes by. This spring, we are offering several special brunches and dinners to celebrate Easter and mom and dad on their special days. Be sure to treat your family and your special parents in your life!
In the Summer
Top of the Grade Concerts | June - September
Every summer, the town of Saluda puts on the Top of the Grade Concerts, five free concerts for locals and visitors to enjoy. Head to McCreery Park in downtown Saluda with your blankets and lawn chairs, then set up and enjoy the show! We recommend bringing snacks and a bottle of wine to enjoy as you take in the music, or you can walk to a restaurant after.
The Brevard Music Center Festival | June - August
For 12 weeks out of the summer, some of the most celebrated names in music and best up-and-coming musicians put on incredible performances at the Brevard Music Center. Performances include everything from classical symphonies to movie scores played while the movie is projected on the big screen!
Coon Dog Day | July
Coon Dog Day takes place every year on a Saturday in July, usually towards the beginning of the month. This annual festival celebrates this beloved dog breed with music, food, a parade, and even the crowning of a Coon Dog Day King and Queen! Plus, our B&B is located about a mile from the festival, so it’s the perfect place to stay. More than 15,000 people flock to Saluda every year for this Western North Carolina event!
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games | July
Every July, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games gives a taste of Scottish life to Scottish descent, their families, and anyone else interested. The weekend is filled with authentic events such as sheep herding, foot races, and more!
Biltmore Summer Concert Series | July - August
As the biggest house in America, the Biltmore Estate is one of the most famous places to visit in all of North Carolina. Every summer, the estate opens its doors to guests for the Biltmore Summer Concert Series. Attendees get to watch well-known musicians at a gorgeous venue; the crowd gathers on the South Terrace as the sun sets over the mountains. The estate is just 40 minutes away from The Orchard Inn, so it makes an excellent summer activity.
North Carolina Apple Festival | Labor Day Weekend
Every Labor Day weekend for the past 60+ years, locals and visitors flock to downtown Hendersonville for the annual Apple Festival. This street fair is set up for four days of fun. Attendees can enjoy vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and more!
NC Mountain State Fair | September
The NC Mountain State Fair is a classic Western North Carolina event. Fair food, live music, acrobatics, and a 45,000-square-foot shopping area combine to make this festival one to remember. Choose to eat your way through the fair when you try goodies from one of the 50 food vendors, be entertained by one of the many shows, or shop the day away. The fair is around for ten days, so you can go back as many times as you’d like during your stay at The Orchard Inn.
In the Fall
CiderFest NC | October
Welcome the fall season the right way when you come to CiderFest NC! There’s nothing better than sampling cider in the crisp autumn air. Every October, cider makers from all over the state gather together so you can sample more than 50 varieties of cider, mead, and apple wines.
Asheville Brewgrass Festival | October
If you love craft beer and great music, make sure you attend the Asheville Brewgrass Festival. Regional breweries come from near and far to provide festivalgoers with samples of expertly crafted brews as live music plays in the background. Plus, the proceeds of this event go to a good cause: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.
Thanksgiving at Orchard Inn | November
You’ve never experienced a Thanksgiving like the one that is prepared at The Orchard Inn. Enjoy an incredible array of dishes cooked by our expert chefs– we can assure you you’ll feel right at home. However, the best part is that we provide a second late supper for the guests of our inn for those that love Thanksgiving leftovers!
Taste of Asheville | November
Every November, more than 40 of the best eateries in Asheville come together for the foodie event of the season. These restaurants showcase their best dishes for a good cause; proceeds go toward the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. It’s the best way to truly get a taste of Asheville
In the Winter
The Biltmore Estate Christmas | November - December
The Biltmore Estate is breathtaking at any time of the year, but it is even more special during the holiday season. The rooms of the estate are decorated for the holidays, and there are more than 70 illuminated Christmas trees throughout the property. A Biltmore Estate Christmas is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Charles Dickens’ Dinners | December
The holidays are a special time of the year, and Orchard Inn has created some holiday traditions of our own. Every year, guests of the inn gather for our Charles Dickens Dinners. Dine by candlelight with readings from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to get into the holiday spirit. This event books months in advance, so call us at (828) 749-5471 to reserve your table as soon as possible.
Omni Grove Park Inn Winter Concert Series | February
Big Band Dance Weekend
Bring your dancing shoes and hit the floor for a weekend of great Big Band hits. This is a “can’t miss” weekend for those who treasure the Big Band era of music and dance.
Classic Rock-N-Roll Weekend
Turn up the heat this winter at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Jam out during our Classic Rock & Roll Weekend with legendary headliners.
Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock Park | February
Join Chimney Rock’s naturalist and our favorite NC rodent virtually to find out if spring is coming early or if we have six more weeks of winter.
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade | February
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) at this annual Asheville celebration!
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