Waynesville is home to a thriving community of artists, practicing traditional crafts in the footsteps of their Appalachian forbearers or pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. From our many galleries and working studios to art festivals and Friday evening art crawls, Waynesville embraces the artistic spirit.
Explore the following attractions in Waynesville’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Art comes alive with the Art After Dark gallery stroll the first Friday evening of every month. Artists and art lovers mingle over wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music at more than a dozen downtown galleries.
Waynesville supports a thriving community of artists of all mediums. The vibrant mountain town has become a national destination for art lovers thanks to its many galleries, artist co-ops and working studios.
The Haywood County Arts Council embraces the artistic spirit by promoting artists, art education and innovation in art. Its downtown gallery on Main Street features exhibits, artist demonstrations and workshops.
From show-stopping Broadway hits to intimate, thought-provoking dramas, the award-winning Haywood Arts Regional Theater — fondly known as HART — presents a robust playbill of year-round productions on three stages.
The historic Shelton House is home to the Museum of N.C. Handicrafts, showcasing and preserving the artistic legacy and cultural heritage of Appalachia with tours, exhibits, demonstrations and special events.
Fanciful quilt blocks can be found adorning building facades throughout Waynesville as stops along the Haywood County Quilt Trail. Each one tells a story while paying homage to this early American art form.
Folkmoot USA celebrates cultures around the world and here in Appalachia. The Folkmoot Friendship Center hosts concerts, storytellers, lectures, culinary events and cultural programs year-round, along with its signature international extravaganza every July.
Downtown Waynesville is an idyllic backdrop for street festivals, block parties, parades, square dances and holiday events. The Church Street Arts and Craft Show every October is the region’s premier juried art festival, sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.
Waynesville public art pieces are funded solely by private donations. Your contribution will help make future public art installations possible, creating a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for generations to come.
