Spring in the North Carolina mountains is filled with colorful blooms, fresh air, and exciting events. As the weather warms up, this mountainous region becomes a hub for festivals and activities, highlighting its natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant community.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or someone looking for new things to do in Asheville, there’s no shortage of options to fill your calendar. Here’s a look at the top spring festivals and events in WNC that you won’t want to miss.
Biltmore Blooms
One of Asheville’s most iconic spring events is Biltmore Blooms, Asheville’s Garden Paradise, an annual celebration at the historic Biltmore Estate. From early April through late May, the estate’s gardens explode with vibrant displays of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers. The 8,000-acre estate, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, offers a stunning backdrop for this flower festival, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike.
During Biltmore Blooms, guests can enjoy special events, garden tours, and exhibitions that showcase the estate’s history and horticultural beauty. From walking through the colorful Walled Garden to the Azalea Garden, there’s no shortage of places to admire springtime blooms. In addition to its beautiful gardens, the Biltmore offers access to the Biltmore House and its extensive grounds, allowing visitors to spend the entire day immersed in nature and history.
This event is one of the top Asheville events during spring, and if you’re planning a visit, it’s a good idea to secure tickets in advance. Pair your experience with luxurious accommodations by booking one of the many Asheville luxury rentals in the area.
Asheville Orchid Festival
The Asheville Orchid Festival is another can’t-miss way to enjoy springtime in Asheville for plant enthusiasts. Held annually at the North Carolina Arboretum in April, this festival brings together orchid vendors, growers, and exhibitors from across the region to showcase an astonishing array of orchids. From rare species to stunning hybrids, the displays are a feast for the eyes and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the care and cultivation of these extraordinary plants.
Visitors to the festival can attend orchid care demonstrations, participate in educational workshops, and even purchase orchids to take home. The stunning indoor and outdoor gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum only add to the festival’s appeal, making it one of the top things to do in Asheville for fans of flora.
WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival
The WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates local agriculture and the abundance of spring produce. Located a short drive from downtown Asheville, the WNC Farmers Market is a year-round destination for fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and handmade crafts. During the spring festival, the market has a lively atmosphere with vendors showcasing seasonal offerings, gardening workshops, and live music.
This event is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the region’s agricultural heritage while supporting local farmers and artisans. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find local honey, baked goods, and a variety of plants perfect for starting your spring garden. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food from local food trucks and vendors. It’s the ideal way to spend a spring day outdoors, soaking up the atmosphere and tasting the flavors of WNC.
For visitors staying at one of our Asheville, NC vacation rentals, this festival is an easy way to experience the local culture and stock up on fresh ingredients to cook a delicious meal back at your mountain view Asheville, NC rental.
Asheville Herb Festival
For over thirty years, the Asheville Herb Festival has been one of the largest herb festivals in the Southeast. Held each spring at the WNC Farmers Market, this event draws herb enthusiasts from all over the region. Over sixty vendors offer herbs, medicinal plants, heirloom vegetables, and gardening supplies.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Asheville Herb Festival is a great place to learn about herbs, purchase plants for your garden, and attend informative workshops on the benefits and uses of herbs. You’ll also find artisan goods, including herbal teas, natural skin care products, and handcrafted items. The event is free to attend.
Get in Gear Fest
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Get in Gear Fest, an annual celebration of outdoor adventure in Asheville each spring. This event showcases the latest gear, equipment, and experiences for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and climbing. Hosted by the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, the festival offers attendees the chance to test new gear, attend workshops, and meet with outdoor industry professionals.
Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or new to outdoor recreation, Get in Gear Fest is an exciting way to discover new activities and connect with others who share a passion for the outdoors. With plenty of hands-on experiences, this festival encourages visitors to explore the natural beauty of WNC and take advantage of the incredible outdoor opportunities available in the region.
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Hendersonville Garden Jubilee
Hendersonville, just a short drive from Asheville, hosts its annual Garden Jubilee each spring. This two-day festival, held over Memorial Day weekend, is one of the most significant gardening events in the region. During this festival, the charming streets of downtown Hendersonville are covered in unique plants grown by local vendors. Visitors can browse through plants, gardening tools, and outdoor décor while stopping to grab food and drinks from restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops.
Garden Jubilee is a must-visit for gardening enthusiasts. It offers workshops and talks from local experts on plant care, landscaping, and sustainable gardening practices. The festival includes live demonstrations, garden tours, and opportunities to purchase rare and exotic plants.
White Squirrel Weekend in Brevard
The charming town of Brevard, located about 45 minutes from Asheville, is known for its quirky White Squirrel Weekend, held each spring. This unique festival celebrates Brevard’s population of white squirrels, a rare variation of the eastern gray squirrel. The weekend-long event features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and a parade—all with a white squirrel theme.
Visitors can participate in the White Squirrel 5K race, explore local art galleries, and enjoy Brevard’s scenic surroundings during the weekend. This fun and whimsical festival is perfect for families and anyone looking to experience a different side of WNC culture.
Stay with Yonder
When planning your spring getaway to WNC, why not stay in style? Yonder offers a wide range of Asheville luxury rentals that provide the perfect base for exploring all the exciting Asheville events this spring. Whether attending Biltmore Blooms, the Asheville Orchid Festival, or simply exploring the vibrant downtown scene, Yonder’s Asheville NC vacation rentals offer comfort, convenience, and luxury.
Our properties are carefully curated to ensure your stay is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. With spacious layouts, modern amenities, and stunning views, our Asheville NC rentals with firepits are perfect for families and small groups. Plus, with Yonder’s commitment to exceptional service, you can rest assured that every detail of your stay will be taken care of.
Book your spring getaway with Yonder today and experience all that Western North Carolina offers! Whether you’re here for the festivals or the breathtaking natural beauty, there’s no better way to enjoy Asheville than staying in one of our premier vacation rentals.
Spring in Asheville and Western North Carolina is truly a season of celebration, with events that offer something for everyone. From flower-filled gardens to outdoor adventures, these events are the perfect excuse to plan your next visit to the area. Don’t forget to secure your Asheville, NC, vacation rentals and experience the magic of WNC in the spring!
