Year-Round Celebrations In Transylvania County
What’s going on in Transylvania County? We’re so glad you asked.
Throughout the year, there are many events that locals and visitors alike look forward to in our neck of the woods. Our calendar is filled with vibrant festivals, concerts, shows, and rides — and that’s just the beginning. When you visit the Land of Waterfalls, be sure to add one (or several) of these festivals and celebrations to your itinerary.
Click through to the event page for more details on the event. Some links may be for last year’s event, new dates will be added as they are announced!
White Squirrel Day
February
Each year, Brevard’s official White Squirrel Ambassador makes predictions on February 2nd, White Squirrel Day. White Squirrels have a knack for forecasting whether Brevard will experience an early Spring. The squirrel also predicts each year’s Super Bowl Winner.
Assault on the Carolinas
April
The event has been moved to September for 2025.
This popular cycling event draws in 1,000 cyclists each year as a fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club. The 100k and 50k routes take riders through beautiful country in the North Carolina and South Carolina mountains.
White Squirrel Weekend
May
A celebration of Brevard’s beloved mascot, White Squirrel Weekend is a fun, festival-style event that takes over Downtown Brevard once a year. It is a family-friendly event with fun activities for all ages. The streets come alive with a toe-tapping lineup of live bands, local vendors, and artisans, plus a variety of tasty offerings from food trucks and local breweries.
Independence Day Celebration
July
Let freedom ring! This patriotic celebration kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by elected officials. Enjoy live music, street dancing, and special offerings from local businesses. The fun continues at Brevard College with a rubber duck race and a stunning fireworks display to cap off the night.
Brevard Music Center Summer Series
June – August
The world-renowned Brevard Music Center offers a spectacular display of live music performances in the summer months. They regularly host musicians across genres, from classical and folk to jazz and opera. Nearly half of these performances are free and open to the public.
Brevard Plein Air Festival
September
This unique, 4-day art event features en plein air style painting. The French phrase “en plein air,” means in plain air, or outside. It is also tied to the painting method of the same name, which opts for making art entirely outside rather than inside a studio. Artists from across the region come to share their talents during the festival.
Mountain Song Festival
September
This esteemed festival brings some of the biggest names in bluegrass, newgrass, old time, folk, jazz and traditional mountain music, to the stage at Brevard Music Center for three days of unforgettable performances. Hosted by Grammy®-winning local bluegrass superstars, Steep Canyon Rangers, Mountain Song Festival provides audiences a chance to see some of their favorite bands.
Halloweenfest and Super Scary Stroll
October
Held annually on the Saturday before Halloween in Downtown Brevard, this family-friendly event is a whole host of spooky season fun. You can even explore Downtown Brevard’s businesses through a Spooky Stroll Open House. And of course, there’s lots of trick-or-treating.
Light Up the Night & Christmas Parade
December
The holiday season in Brevard is straight out of a Hallmark movie! Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Brevard with Light Up the Night, our official tree lighting ceremony with live performances, festive shopping, ice skating, hayrides, and more. Enjoy the charming Christmas Parade, festive holiday markets, and sparkling holiday window displays as you stroll and shop downtown.
Events Throughout the Year
The fun never ends in Transylvania County! In addition to our signature events, there’s always something exciting happening. From the French Broad Riverfest and Pisgah Project Day to the White Squirrel Artisans Market, 1st Friday Gallery Walks, and the Luft-Wasser Porsche Show, you’ll find events to match every interest.
For more information on these events and other ways to experience the magic of the Land of Waterfalls, be sure to check out our event calendar.