Asheville, NC, September 12, 2025
News Summary
This weekend in Asheville, several vibrant events are scheduled, including the Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival, free outdoor Shakespeare performances, and the grand opening of a non-alcoholic venue. Highlights include family-friendly activities at the Dog Day Afternoon and Burton Street Ag Fair, as well as local artist showcases at the River Arts District. The N.C. Mountain State Fair concludes this weekend, adding local tradition to the mix. This diverse array of activities ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Asheville.
Asheville Weekend Events Promises Fun and Engagement for All
This weekend in Asheville, multiple exciting events are set to take place, providing a variety of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. The Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival will be a highlight, bringing together tattoo artists, burlesque performances, contortion acts, and live suspension performances in downtown Asheville. This vibrant arts festival aims to celebrate body art while offering an engaging atmosphere for attendees.
The Montford Park Players are continuing their 53rd season with a free outdoor production of “The Tragedy of King Lear” by William Shakespeare, ensuring that the timeless themes of the play resonate with the audience in an inviting outdoor setting. Additionally, a beloved local event, the Dog Day Afternoon, offers canine-friendly activities, including stunt shows, costume contests, and opportunities for local rescue dog adoptions.
A new non-alcoholic venue, NightShade, will celebrate its grand opening this weekend in the South Slope area. It plans to showcase local musicians and regional DJs such as Bowie, MIKAYA, BLKSVN, and BunsenBurner, creating an inclusive environment for those who prefer a sober outing.
The Burton Street Ag Fair has been rescheduled for this weekend, featuring a new playground, basketball courts, live music, games, crafts, food vendors, and a thrilling 3-on-3 basketball tournament. This event promises fun and engagement for families and community members, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Meanwhile, the River Arts District is hosting RAD Resilience, where local artists, food trucks, and live music will celebrate creativity and community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. An interactive art project will also engage attendees, allowing them to be part of the artistic process.
The N.C. Mountain State Fair concludes this weekend at the WNC Agricultural Center, featuring a mix of fair rides, tantalizing food options, magic shows, and local agriculture competitions, making it a quintessential part of the local tradition.
In the realm of performing arts, “Miss Julie,” a new adaptation of August Strindberg’s iconic play, will premiere at the Attic Salt Theatre Company throughout September, adding depth to the local theater scene.
Other notable events include the Goombay Festival, which runs from September 4-7 at Pack Square Park, celebrating the African diaspora with music, food, and wellness activities; the 103.3 Asheville FM Record Fair scheduled for Sunday, September 7; and the upcoming AshevilleCon on September 20, a pop culture convention for comic enthusiasts.
For those looking ahead, the Blue Ridge Pride Festival will take place on September 27, highlighting the LGBTQ+ community in Asheville, while various Oktoberfest celebrations launch across local venues starting September 13, paving the way for a festive autumn season.
Event Overview
| Event Name | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival | This Weekend | Downtown Asheville | Celebration of body art featuring artists and performances |
| Montford Park Players: King Lear | This Weekend | Montford Park | Free outdoor Shakespeare production |
| NightShade Grand Opening | This Weekend | South Slope | Non-alcoholic lounge with live music |
| Dog Day Afternoon | This Weekend | Local Park | Dog-friendly fun with contests and adoptions |
| Burton Street Ag Fair | This Weekend | Burton Street Community Center | Family fair with live music and games |
| RAD Resilience | This Weekend | River Arts District | Art event commemorating Hurricane Helene |
| N.C. Mountain State Fair | This Weekend | WNC Agricultural Center | Traditional fair with rides and competitions |
| Goombay Festival | Sept 4-7 | Pack Square Park | Celebration of African culture |
| Blue Ridge Pride Festival | Sept 27 | Downtown Asheville | Celebration of LGBTQ+ community |
FAQ
What is the Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival?
It is a celebration of tattoo art featuring various artists, live performances, and vendor booths, occurring in downtown Asheville this weekend.
Are there any family-friendly events?
Yes, events such as the Dog Day Afternoon and the Burton Street Ag Fair offer plenty of activities suitable for families.
How can I attend the Montford Park Players production?
The Montford Park Players will present “The Tragedy of King Lear” free of charge in an outdoor park setting this weekend.
What is NightShade?
NightShade is a new non-alcoholic bar and lounge in the South Slope area of Asheville that features live music from local musicians and DJs.
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Additional Resources
- 828 News: What to Do This Weekend in the 828
- AVL Today: Plan Ahead Asheville Events
- 828 News: Event Support Grant Open for Application
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville Events
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
