Last Updated on March 19, 2024
Brevard, NC is a hotspot for big mountain views and even bigger outdoor opportunities. But while it is tucked within the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard could rightly be called the land of festivals. The town offers eclectic in-town living and almost weekly annual events. From traditional dancing to supporting local art, there’s something for everyone.
In fact, this spring the town is playing host to the Assault on the Carolinas bike ride and fundraiser, Paddling Film Festival World Tour 2024, Luft Wasser™ Porsche Celebration, and Oskar Blues Brewery Spring Shakedown music fest—all in April alone!
Today, we’re taking a look at all the festivals happening in Brevard this summer. And by that we mean, everything happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Mark your calendars!
4th Friday Art Walks
Fourth Fridays starting in May @ 5:00–7:00 PM | Downtown Brevard
Brevard, NC’s 4th Friday Art Walks offer a delightful and vibrant experience for art enthusiasts and the local community. Participants have a unique opportunity to explore the diverse art scene in town while supporting local galleries. Participating galleries and businesses showcase a wide range of artistic styles, including paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, and more. Not only do these events provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work, but they also contribute to the economic growth of the community. By attending these events and purchasing artwork, attendees directly support the local galleries, artists, and the vibrant arts scene in Brevard. Produced by the Transylvania Community Arts Council.
Learn more: tcarts.org/galllerywalks
White Squirrel Festival
May 24–26, 2024 | Main Street
Brevard loves its white squirrel population! This annual summer festival—celebrating 20 years this year—includes lots of live music from local and regional bands, plus a street festival with kids activities, arts and crafts vendors, great food—and lots more! There are special events and sales in many of downtown’s shops. And if that’s not enough for you, festival goers can learn more about the town’s white squirrel population and participate in the White Squirrel Auto Show. If you ask us, this is definitely a street party worth planning your season around.
Learn more: brevardnc.org/white-squirrel-weekend-2024
Brevard Old Time Street Dance
Various dates and times in 2024 | Various locations
Dating back to the early 1940s, Brevard’s Old Time Street Dances are a multi-generational summer tradition. Take advantage of the live music and free square dance instruction start, then dance your socks off. Each evening also includes a few classic songs and a chance for clogging. A young children’s circle allows dancers of all ages to participate. In 2023, the dance series started in June and ran through the fall. Check Heart of Brevard for this year’s schedule.
Learn more: brevardnc.org
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute & Festival
June 21–August 4, 2024 | Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium
Each year for more than 80 years, the world renowned Brevard Music Center opens its doors to the public for dozens of summer concerts. The legendary summer music program trains prodigious young musicians and pairs them on stage with gifted faculty and some of the most celebrated classical talents in the world. This year’s season will be highlighted by legendary artist Wynton Marsalis, who will appear with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for three concerts in late June. Easily 40,000 people will seat themselves in the open-air Whittington-Pfohl auditorium over the course of the 100-plus-concert series. Ticket presales begin March 25.
Learn more and buy tickets: brevardmusic.org
Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4, 2024 | Main Street
Celebrate the land of the free and the home of the white squirrel in Downtown Brevard. The town’s all-day celebration of this all-American holiday offers life, liberty, and the pursuit of hot dogs for patriots of all stripes. Kick off the day with the Brevard Rotary Club’s annual Firecracker 5k and Fun Run. Then, come out to Main Street and enjoy music, food, art, classic cars, parades, and pet shows throughout the day. Fireworks cap off the night for a big happy Independence Day event.
Learn more: explorebrevard.com
Mountain Song Festival
September 6–7, 2024 | Brevard Music Center
The annual Mountain Song Festival was created to bring the best in acoustic mountain music to the community and to further encourage music in our everyday lives. The two-day lineup features a great group of local artists, children’s activities, nature exhibits, food, and more in the heart of Brevard. This year’s lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but last year’s headliners were Sam Bush and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Ticket proceeds benefit the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County.
Learn more: mountainsongfestival.com
Additional annual events in Brevard, NC
Brevard is a hotspot for local activities throughout the year. If you’re planning beyond the summer months, don’t miss the chance to visit for these additional (but not exhaustive list) of additional events:
- Art is in the Air Plein Air Festival, September 9–14, 2024
- 41st Halloweenfest & Spooky Stroll, October 26, 2024
- Holiday Windows Competition & Walking Tour, November 29–December 31, 2024
- Christmas Parade & Light Up the Night, December 7, 2024
- Fourth Friday Art Walks, continuing monthly through December
Find what feels like home this summer in Brevard, NC!
Brevard, NC always has something fun to celebrate! As the seat of Transylvania County, the town has distinguished itself as an epicenter for nearby outdoor adventures, education, art, and music. Tucked along the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is a hotspot for eclectic in-town living and big mountain views. Downtown is a vibrant and walkable hub of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs, and eateries. And Brevard is rich in summer events and festivals.
Live it up in Brevard, NC! Find your dream home in Brevard now!
Did we miss any Brevard, NC summer festivals? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll meet you there!
Photo from Brevard Music Center
