We may already be seeing pumpkin spice creeping into our feeds and Halloween decor on display at local stores. But it’s still summer for a few more weeks!
Take advantage of the summer sun while you still can! Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to take part in the quintessential activities of the season and celebrate the last long days of the year.
Stay close to home or venture farther afield! Here’s a short list of the many Labor Day weekend events in Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Asheville Tourists Baseball Home Games vs Hub City Spartanburg
August 26–31, 2025 | Downtown Asheville
Grab your game day gear and head out to McCormick Field for America’s favorite pastime. The Asheville Tourists are the Minor League High-A Affiliate for the Houston Astros—and our local favorites! As is tradition, they have six nights of home games leading up to Labor Day, this year against the Hub City Spartanburgers. And each night has its own events, including Thirsty Thursday, Dollar Dog Friday, and Labor Day Weekend Fireworks following Sunday night’s game. Tickets are $13–43.
Get tickets: milb.com/asheville
Labor Day Weekend @ Omni Grove Park Inn
August 28–September 1, 2025 | Asheville
Omni Grove Park Inn’s meticulously curated weekend schedule promises a delightful array of activities for hotel guests of all ages. Whether you’re looking to unwind with soothing live music, indulge in refreshing summer treats, or enjoy fun-filled family activities, there is something special for everyone. Start the weekend with Summer Sip n Shop, a four-day event where you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you browse men’s and women’s apparel from all seasons—up to 85% off. Don’t miss the famous Labor Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday from noon until 3:00 PM.
Learn more: omnihotels.com
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL
August 29–31, 2025 | Pack Square Park, Asheville
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL is a free festival paying homage to Asheville’s rich history, arts, and culture by showcasing an eclectic mix of musical performances, trail tours, and community-driven activities. Asheville originally emerged as a Boomtown in the early 1920s in efforts to rebuild the city following “The Great Flood” of 1916. This year, Boomtown FestAVL seeks to help rebuild a thriving community post-Hurricane Helene.
Learn more: boomtownfestavl.com
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
August 29–31, 2025 | TIEC, Mill Spring
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival brings the best of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music together in a multi-day celebration of Mr. Scruggs’ contributions to music. Best known for the “Scruggs style” of playing the five-string banjo, he crossed musical boundaries and collaborated with artists across musical genres. 45+ bands will perform on four stages, including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Del McCoury Band, and Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas! The festival also offers a variety of workshops and experiences and a Little Foggie’s kids zone.
Learn more: earlscruggsmusicfest.com
79th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival
August 29–September 1, 2025 | Hendersonville
The North Carolina Apple Festival has been a premier family-friendly festival in Western North Carolina for several generations, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors each year. Enjoy four days of free fun, from the opening ceremonies at the Historic Courthouse to the King Apple Parade on Labor Day afternoon. The festival also includes one of the best known street fairs in the Carolinas. There will be freshly picked apples, arts and crafts, festival food, and free entertainment at the Historic Courthouse on Hendersonville’s Main Street.
Learn more: ncapplefestival.org
Groovin’ on the Green featuring Gotcha Groove
August 29, 2025 @ 6:00–8:30 PM | Cashiers
Groovin’ on the Green is a vibrant, free summer concert series that takes place on select Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Round out the 2025 season with the smooth sounds of Gotcha Groove. The band covers all your favorite beach, classic rock, funk, oldies, R&B, soul, and dance tunes from the last nine decades. Concerts will begin at 6:00 PM, rain or shine, on The Village Green Commons Lawn. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, or you’re welcome to bring your own picnics, coolers, and beverages. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed and with their owners at all times.
Learn more: villagegreencashiersnc.com
Fall Concert Series: The Andrew Thelston Band performs Abbey Road
August 29, 2025 @ 7:00–8:30 PM | Brevard
Head to the Library Amphitheater as the sun sets to enjoy a long-delayed treat. Originally scheduled last year to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the release of the iconic Beatles album Abbey Road, The Andrew Thelston Band will perform the album in its entirety. The band was voted #1 favorite rock band in the 2023 “Best of WNC” contest by Mountain Xpress. They consider this performance “a labor of love that they are all too happy to share with audiences of all ages”.
Learn more: library.transylvaniacounty.org
16th Annual Concerts on the Creek
August 29, 2025 @ 7:00–9:00 PM | Sylva
Bring a picnic blanket and chair to enjoy the last Concerts on the Creek event of the season at Sylva’s Bridge Park gazebo. Boukou Groove is a New Orleans power funk, soul, and jam band. Labor Day weekend closes out Concerts on the Creek’s 2025 event season. Concerts on the Creek events are free and open to the public with donations encouraged. Food trucks and craft beer vendors may be available.
Learn more: mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek
Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show
August 30–31, 2025 | Maggie Valley
Artisans from all over the Southeast will be in attendance at Maggie Valley’s largest and longest running seasonal arts and crafts show. Seasonal items, furniture, goat milk soaps, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, wooden bowls, yard art, and more will be featured at the event. Shop a variety of handmade treasures, enjoy chainsaw art demonstrations, and partake of lots of festival food! This is the second of three annual Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Shows of the year.
Learn more: maggievalley.org
Apple Festival Races (8K and 5K)
August 30, 2025 @ 8:00 AM | Hendersonville
Keep the tradition of the Apple Festival Races going, the longest-running race in Henderson County! This event has something for runners of every level, with individual 8K and 5K, and the popular Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile fun run. Both competitive courses wind through scenic Hendersonville and Laurel Park, starting and ending at the Blue Ridge Community College Health Science Center. The Chick-Fil-A Mini-Moo Run is an approximate one-mile course, followed by a fun game area provided by Chick-Fil-A. Registration cost is $23.50–$45.
Register: raceroster.com
117th Canton Labor Day Festival
August 31–September 1, 2025 | Canton
Since 1906, the Canton Labor Day Festival has served up food, fun, and entertaining events in Sorrells Park. Billed as the oldest festival of its kind in the South, the festival draws up to 15,000 music lovers over the weekend. Country music hitmaker and Army Reservist Craig Morgan will be headlining this year’s performers. There are also a handicraft expo, a vintage car show, and Ingles Ultimate Air Dogs. The Labor Day parade at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Learn more: cantonlaborday.com
Tour d’Apple
September 1, 2025 @ 8:00 AM | Flat Rock
The Tour d’Apple cycling event provides four exciting, challenging routes (25, 45, 62, and 100 miles) through WNC’s apple orchards, waterfalls, and mountains. Participation benefits the charitable projects of the Hendersonville Four Seasons Rotary Club. After the ride, enjoy lively bluegrass music, massages, and a Mexican lunch from Taqueria Gonzalez restaurant.
Register: tourdapple.com
