SUMMER VISITOR GUIDE
Have A Summer to Remember in Brevard, NC
The long-awaited summer months are finally here. Warm, sunny days, green forests, and a bustling downtown sets the scene for a lively season in Transylvania County. Our little slice of mountain paradise is the perfect place to cruise the Parkway, find a swimming hole, climb up Looking Glass Rock to take in the vistas, or relax by the river and enjoy the freedom of summertime. Plan your escape, and find some warm weather things to do in the WNC mountains.
Things to Do This Summer in the Mountains of WNC
Check Off the Land of Waterfalls Bucket List
With more than 250 waterfalls in Transylvania County, summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the Land of Waterfalls. From easy roadside cascades to scenic hikes leading to hidden gems, there’s a waterfall adventure for every kind of explorer. Start planning your waterfall bucket list and explore our Interactive Waterfall Map to discover some of the most breathtaking falls in and around Brevard.
Experience Brevard Music Center
Summer in Brevard is filled with music, anchored by the world-renowned Brevard Music Center Summer Festival. Celebrating 90 seasons of extraordinary performances, the festival brings acclaimed artists, rising stars, and talented students together for orchestral concerts, opera, chamber music, jazz, bluegrass, and more in a stunning mountain setting.
Find Ways to Cool Off
‘Tis the season to escape the heat and stay cool. What better way to find relief than with a tubing trip or swimming hole near Brevard? Some of our favorite summer activities include paddling through a mountain stream on a kayak or SUP, hiking to a waterfall, or relaxing on a tube while floating down the river. For an only-in-the-mountains kind of adventure, make time for Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot waterslide where cold mountain water sends visitors splashing into the pool below.
Cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Make your summer road trip unforgettable with a scenic cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 16 miles that skirt the northern border of Transylvania County are packed with mountain vistas, picnic spots, hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to slow down and soak it all in. Stop for a hike at Graveyard Fields, take in panoramic views from an overlook or catch a sunset from the Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower.
Summer Events
The biggest challenge of summer in Transylvania County is choosing which events to attend. You can find live music almost every night at the Brevard Music Center and other local venues, while nearby spots host trivia nights, karaoke, and paint-and-sip sessions. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of paddling trips on nearby rivers, along with a variety of other outdoor events throughout the county. With so much to explore, boredom is never an option! These are just the highlights, head to our event calendar for more!
MUSIC+MOONSHINE at Cedar Mountain Moonshine Distillery
Every Friday until September 4, 2026
WNC Flyer
June 7, 2026
Juneteenth
June 19-21, 2026
Upper French Broad Riverfest
June 20, 2026
Where’s Waldo Local Event
July 1-31, 2026 Multi-Day Event
Summer Day Pass
Multiple Dates Until August 8, 2026
White Squirrel Artisans Market Summer Festival
August 8, 2026
July 4th Shindig on Main
July 3, 2027
Summer TRIP IDEA
Can’t Miss Experience
Soak Up the Sunshine
Discover more fun in Brevard! Our blogs are filled with inspiration and ideas to help you make the most of your visit. Dive in and uncover the magic of this season.
5 Great Places to Enjoy Lunch Outdoors
Your Downtown Brevard Shopping List
7 Ways to Cool Off in the Mountains
Park & View Waterfalls
Waterfall Swimming Holes in the NC Mountains
Memorable Live Music Experiences in Brevard, NC
Relive Your Summer Camp Days in the Blue Ridge Mountains
3 Days of Waterfall Chasing in the Land of Waterfalls
Choose Your WNC Backcountry Adventure Weekend
Turn Summer Camp Drop Off into a Getaway
Girls Mountain Getaway Trip Ideas
Land of Waterfalls Bucket List
EXPLORE BY SEASON
Go Ahead, Book the Trip
You’ve got the summer bucket list. Now all that’s left is finding a place to stay. From cozy cabins tucked among the trees to one-of-a-kind retreats that make the journey part of the adventure, Brevard has a stay for every kind of getaway. Book the trip and make this summer one you’ll be talking about long after you head home.