Things to do in Asheville this weekend: The latest happening in and around town

There is always something to do in Asheville.

The Western North Carolina city time and again has topped rankings of best places to visit in general and for its many historic destinations, outdoor adventures, food and music scene and so much more. And while there are plenty of places that attract tourists, there is always something happening in the mountain community that keeps locals entertained as well.

In March 2023, Asheville and several surrounding small towns were named on Southern Living’s seventh annual South’s Best Awards, which recognizes readers' favorite Southern destinations and experiences with categories including the Top 50 Southern small towns, cities, hotels, state parks and BBQ joints.

We've scratched the surface of the many places and events that Asheville has to offer not just in the spring and summer, but all year round.

The Biltmore Estate

No list of places to visit in Asheville would be complete without mentioning the expansive Biltmore Estate.

The more than 8,000-acre estate is home to the famous Biltmore House, the landmark home built for famed entrepreneur George W. Vanderbilt and his family in the late 1800s. And while much of the home's hype is about its size and Christmas decorations, the rolling estate is home to an expansive garden and conservatory as well.

During the spring months, guests can stroll the grounds as tulips bloom. While in the summer months, the garden is alive with flora and fauna displays, decorative water fountains and sprawling lawns.

Explore Asheville's River Arts District

Aging and empty warehouses along the French Broad River were given new life thanks to local artists and was soon transformed into the River Arts District. Over the last two decades, this area has been transformed into a haven for artists and patrons alike.

Whether you are looking for an art piece to tie your room together, take a class or just grab a beer and something to eat.

On the second Saturday of every month, the River Arts District hosts its Second Saturday event, featuring gallery walks with demonstrations, workshops, live music, wine tastings, delicious food, and more.

Asheville Ale Trail: Highland Brewing, New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, more

Beer is king in Asheville.

The beer culture in Asheville started back in 1994 with the opening of Highland Brewing Company by Oscar Wong. Since then, dozens of breweries from the smallest nano-brewery to places like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium have come to call the mountains of North Carolina home.

Festivals around the beverage are common in Asheville, including events like the Beer City 20k Relay hosted by Greenman Brewing and the Beer City Festival on May 27.

Not able to make it? Here's your field guide to all things beer in Asheville and other WNC communities.

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Asheville events and festivals 2023

Here are just some of the events and festivals happening in Asheville this year. We will continue to update this list throughout the year.

April events

April 1-22: Angela Johal An Abstract Classicist: California Hard-Edge at the Bender Gallery, 29 Biltmore Avenue, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 1: BEYONCE VS RIHANNA DANCE PARTY w/ DJ Molly Parti at Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club, 101 Biltmore Avenue, 9-12 p.m.

April 1-2: Asheville Orchid Festival at the North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays in April: Sunday Brunch at Black Wall Street AVL at Black Wall Street, 8 River Arts Place, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April

Starting April 21: Downtown After 5 hosted by Downtown Asheville on North Lexington Avenue. Event is every third Friday from April to September from 5-9:30 p.m.

Joyce Orlando is an Audience Specialist with the South Region Audience Team. She can be reached at jorlando@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Explore Asheville: Looking for things to do? Here are nearby events