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.
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. Here we go!
White Squirrel Festival
May 22–24, 2020 | Main Street
Brevard loves its white squirrel population! This annual summer festival includes lots of live music from local and regional bands, plus a street festival with kids activities, arts and crafts booths, great food—and lots more! Don’t miss the White Squirrel 5K and Fun Run, as well as the veteran’s memorial parade and wreath ceremony. 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 Photo Contest. If you ask us, this is definitely a street party worth planning your season around.
Learn more: whitesquirrelfestival.com
Brevard Old Time Street Dance
Tuesdays, June 16–August 4, 2020 @ 6:30–9:00PM | East Main Street
Grab a bite to eat downtown, then get comfortable and stay a while. Brevard’s Old Time Street Dance happens every summer starting the third Tuesday in June and running weekly through the first week of August. The street dances began in the 1940s, ran through the 1960s, and were brought back on an annual basis in 1998. Live music and free square dance instruction start at 6:30PM and dancing runs from 7:00–9:00PM. 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.
Learn more: brevardnc.org
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute & Festival
June 26–August 9, 2020 | Parker Concert Hall
Each year for more than 80 years, the world renowned Brevard Music Center opens its doors to the public for 80+ 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 (Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, and Joshua Bell in previous years). The result is seven weeks of sublime music. Easily 30,000 people will seat themselves in the open-air Whittington-Pfohl auditorium over the course of the series. Don’t miss opening weekend, June 26–30, 2020.
Learn more and buy tickets: brevardmusic.org
16th Annual Art in the Park
June 27, 2020 @ 10:00AM–3:00PM | Brevard Elementary School
Sponsored by the Connestee Art League of Brevard, Art in the Park benefits arts programs for children and adults in the Brevard community. Come out to see a lineup of outstanding two- and three-dimensional artists, including painters, illustrators, photographers, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, stained glass artists, and more. Enjoy the day, shop for original artistic creations, taste some wonderful food, and join in the fun! In case of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, July 11.
Learn more: connesteeartleague.yolasite.com
Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2020 | 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 a hot dog 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
Burning CAN
August 7–8, 2020 | REEB Ranch
Oskar Blues Brewery’s Burning CAN (Not Justa) Beer Festival has quickly become a local summer favorite. The weekend-long lawn jam features 70+ craft beers (in cans, of course), food trucks, camping, and a scorching music lineup. Oh, and plenty of mountain sports to keep your muscles heated all weekend long. Two-day passes are now available.
Learn more and buy your passes: oskarblues.com
Make Brevard, NC Your Home this Summer!
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! Find homes in Brevard now!
