Waynesville is home to a spectacular line-up of annual events and festivals celebrating arts and culture. Due to the uncertainty of public gatherings in 2020, please visit the website for each event listed for the most up-to-date status. We look forward to the return of our signature events in the future!
Luck of the Art
March
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day arts-style with art galleries and merchants in downtown Waynesville offering “Pot of Gold” gift drawings. Enjoy live music and art demonstrations and rub elbows with roving leprechauns while visiting the shops to enter the drawings. Hosted by the Galleries of Haywood. For more info click here.
Shady Ladies Quilt Show
May
Creative expression and artistic flare take the traditional craft of quilting to a new level during this annual quilt show. The show features 100 quilts made by members of the premier Shady Ladies quilting group at the Folkmoot Friendship Center located at 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville.
Whole Bloomin’ Thing
May
Welcome the arrival of spring in the mountains with a street fair that celebrates the growing season in the eclectic Frog Level district of downtown Waynesville. Coinciding with Mother’s Day weekend, the festival features local artisans and crafters, live music and growers selling all manner of plants and flowers. Hosted by the Frog Level Merchants Association. For more info click here.
Quick Draw
June
Watch artists race against the clock to create a work of art in one hour in a variety of mediums, offering spectators a rare opportunity to see the creative process unfold. The evening includes an artist meet-and-greet prior to the timed event, a buffet and live music, capped off by a live auction for artwork created during the event. Proceeds fund the art programs in Haywood County Schools. For more info click here.
Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend
June
Authentic Appalachian handicrafts take center stage during this annual festival, featuring a craft fair, traditional artist demonstrations, a quilt exhibit, Appalachian music, and tours of the N.C. Museum of Handicrafts. The event is held on the campus of the historic Shelton House located at 49 Shelton Street, Waynesville. For more info click here.
Haywood County Studio Tour
June
Go behind-the-scenes into the working studios of artists and crafters in a wide spectrum of mediums, including clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, metal, and paint. Visit the personal workshops and studios of our vibrant community of artists at your own pace during the self-guided tour spanning two days. Hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council. For more info click here.
Folkmoot International Festival Day
July
Experience a whirlwind of international cultures during this annual downtown Waynesville street festival, starring visiting performance troupes from around the world. A favorite event during Folkmoot’s weeklong celebration, the festival also features arts and crafts booths lining Main Street. For more info click here.
Church Street Arts and Crafts Festival
October
Not your run-of-the-mill craft show, this juried exhibition in downtown Waynesville showcases fine art and exceptional craftsmanship. An annual destination for art lovers, this premier event showcases dozens of artists selling pottery, jewelry, woodworking, paintings, stained glass, photography, fiber art, candles, quilts and more. Hosted by the Downtown Waynesville Association. For more info click here.
Haywood Arts Regional Theater
Year-Round
Waynesville’s award winning community theater presents a packed line up of productions throughout the year from show-stopping broadway hits to intimate dramas. For the schedule of performances, click here.
Haywood County Arts Council
Year-Round
The Haywood County Arts Council hosts monthly gallery talks, workshops and artist demonstrations, as well as performing arts programs. For a calendar of events, click here.
Historic Haywood Farmers Market
April-November
Shop for handmade wares by Appalachian crafters in a festive outdoor market setting. The farmers market is held from 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays on the campus of HART theater at 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. For more info click here.
Art After Dark
May-December
Stroll the art galleries and shops of downtown Waynesville from 6-9 p.m. for a special art showcase on the first Friday of the month from May to December. Enjoy artist demonstrations, live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and lively discussions about art. Hosted by the Galleries of Haywood. For more info click here.
Mountain Street Dances
June-September
Traditional mountain music and dance come to life, with cornmeal scattered on the street and the public invited to partake in the square dancing. Held in front of the beautiful backdrop of the historic courthouse select Friday nights in summer. For more info click here.