Top of the Grade Concert Series

On the second Friday of the month during the summer, locals and visitors gather at McCreery Park for the Top of the Grade Concert Series. Bring a lawn chair, grab takeout from one of Saluda’s restaurants, and enjoy live music in a relaxed mountain setting. Concerts typically run from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and are free to attend.
2026 Dates: June 12, July 10, Aug 14, Sept 11

Coon Dog Day

If you’ve never experienced Coon Dog Day, it’s worth planning a trip around. This beloved Saluda tradition includes a parade, live music, vendors, dog competitions, food, and plenty of small-town charm. Held each July, it’s one of the most unique festivals in Western North Carolina and attracts visitors from across the region. The Turf & Tunes live concert Friday night at The Saluda Inn and the Coon Dog Day 5K are all part of the weekend festivities.
2026 Date: July 11

Saluda Tailgate Market

Every Friday afternoon from 4-6pm, local farmers, bakers, artisans, and growers gather downtown for the Saluda Tailgate Market. It’s a great place to pick up fresh produce, homemade baked goods, flowers, and locally made products before heading back to the cabin.

Live Music Around Town

Saluda may be small, but the music scene is surprisingly active. On many weekends you’ll find live music at local favorites like Green River Eddy’s, The Purple Onion, and Salud Sip & Strum. It’s an easy way to spend an evening without leaving town.

Columbus Fourth of July Festival

Just a few minutes from Saluda, Columbus hosts one of the area’s most popular Independence Day celebrations. Expect a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of small-town Americana.
July 4, 10am-10pm

Independence Day Evening Market

Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a special evening Hendersonville Farmers Market on Maple Street. Enjoy a festive summer evening filled with local vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, and community fun.
July 3, 5pm-8pm

Hendersonville 4th of July Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day in classic small-town style at Hendersonville’s annual 4th of July Celebration & Parade. The day begins with a festive parade marching down Main Street, featuring patriotic floats, community groups, classic cars, music, and hometown spirit. In the evening, downtown transforms into a family-friendly celebration with inflatables, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music on two stages, and a fireworks display to cap off the night.
July 4, 10am-10pm

America 250 Celebration at Tryon International Equestrian Center

Family fun all day includes foam parties, waterslides, carnival games, pony rides and more. Stay for the Saturday Night Lights showjumping competition, followed by a drone show finale.
July 4,  4pm-10pm

Music on Main Concert Series, Hendersonville

This popular concert series features a rotating lineup of bands spanning genres like rock, pop, oldies, and beach music. 201 S. Main Street main stage.
2026 Dates: July 4, July 10, July 24, August 7

NC Apple Festival

This year will mark 80 years for this celebration of all things apples in downtown Hendersonville. Amazing apple treats, a parade, live music and family-friendly activities make this a don’t-miss event.
2026 Date: September 4-7

Music By The Lake Summer Concert Series

Each summer, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock offers a summer concerts beside the College lake as a gift to the community. These free concerts feature a wide range of musical and vocal groups. Bring a lawn chairs and picnic to enjoy the music by the lake.
2026 Dates: Jun 28, July 26, Aug 9, Aug 16

Rhythm & Brews Concert Series

The Rhythm & Brews concerts series brings together live music, a variety of food trucks, and locally crafted beer, wine and cider! These free concerts close part of South Main Street in Hendersonville to make room for all the fun, as well as a children’s area with games and activities. The musical line-up includes established acts as well as up-and-coming artists from around the nation playing a wide range of tunes from southern rock, soul to R&B.
2026 Dates: July 16, Aug 20, Sept 17, Oct 15

White Squirrel Weekend

Brevard’s most famous festival celebrates the town’s beloved white squirrels with live music, local food, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown. The festival takes place each Memorial Day weekend and is free to attend.
2026 Date: May 22-24

Brevard Music Center Summer Festival

Running throughout the summer, the Brevard Music Center hosts concerts ranging from classical performances to bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary artists. It’s one of the premier music destinations in the Southeast.
2026 Dates and Headliners:

• Branford Marsalis (Jazz): June 11
• Garrick Ohlsson (Opening Night Rachmaninoff): June 26
• Jason Isbell (Singer-Songwriter): July 19
• Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert: July 25
• Yo-Yo Ma (Summer Season Finale): August 2
• The Marriage of Figaro (Janiec Opera Company): July 25 & 27

Mountain Song Festival

If you enjoy bluegrass, folk, and acoustic music, Mountain Song Festival should be on your list. Held each September at the Brevard Music Center, the festival features nationally recognized performers in a beautiful mountain setting.
2026 Date: September 11-12

Art on Main, Hendersonville

One of the oldest and most popular outdoor arts festivals in the Carolinas, Art on Main takes plance along Hendersonville’s charming and historic Main Street. This juried and judged fine art and fine craft show brings 100+ high quality local and regional artist vendors to Hendersonville, and attracts thousands of art loving visitors.
2026 Date: September 26-27 (10am – 5pm)

Tryon International Film Festival

A celebration of independent film, creative voices, and community spirit in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Over the course of this unforgettable weekend, you’ll discover powerful stories from around the world, engage with filmmakers and film lovers alike, and experience the magic of cinema in one of the South’s most charming small towns. Purchase day passes or a full weekend pass or, new this year, a curated Virtual Festival experience for audiences at home.
2026 Date: October 8-11

Tryon BBQ Fest

This revived event will take place on October 17, 2026, featuring a regional barbeque competition, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.  A smaller version of what used to be a multi-day festival that attracted competitors from across the Southeast, this year’s event is meant to reintroduce the tradition and lay the groundwork for future growth. It will take place at Harmon Field in Tryon beginning at 12:00 noon.
2026 Date: October 17

Stay Close to it All

One of the best things about staying at Whispering Falls is having easy access to the events, festivals, music, and outdoor adventures that make Western North Carolina special. Spend the day exploring Saluda, Brevard, or Asheville, then return to your private mountain retreat to relax, recharge, and enjoy the quiet side of the mountains.