Community Calendar

The 42nd Annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem show will be from July 26th to August 2nd, 2026. There will be over 60 worldwide vendors with all kinds of lapidary related items for sale. There are gemstones, minerals, jewelry, fossils, quartz, lapidary equipment and more for you to see and purchase.
The event is put on by the Parkway Fire and Rescue as a way to make money to purchase new equipment for the fire stations.
There is food available for purchase on site. There are many restaurants very close.
There are now regular restrooms and showers available.
The event is free to the public. Free parking and free admission.
Everyone is welcome. Well-mannered dogs are allowed but must be on a leash with the owner attached to the leash.
Dates are July 26th to August 2nd. Some vendors may be open on Saturday 25th. since they can set up quickly.
Hours are from 9 to 6 daily, with some vendors open earlier and later since they are camping in their booths.
Address is 136 Majestic View, on the hill above Skyview Circle. This is on the hill above the fire station on Hwy 226 South of Spruce Pine.
Contact information is:
http://grassycreekgemshow.org for more info and application.
Phone contact: 828-765-2117
Http://info@grassycreekgemshow.org
Donna Collis collisdonna@yahoo.com 828-765-5519
Roger Frye 828-766-6136

Appalachian Mountain Health invites families and community members to its 4th Annual Community Health Fair in Asheville. This free event will help families prepare for the upcoming school year while connecting them with healthcare services and community resources.

More than 1,000 Buncombe County residents attended last year's health fair. This year's event will once again offer FREE back-to-school physicals and Pre-K dental screenings on a first-come, first-served basis. Families can also receive free backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last), enjoy a free lunch (while available), participate in family-friendly activities, and explore health resources, community organizations, and giveaways.

The Community Health Fair brings together local healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to increase access to care and connect families with services available throughout Western North Carolina. Whether preparing children for the new school year or learning more about local resources, attendees will find valuable information, support, and activities for the entire family.

The event is free and open to the public.

Canongate Catholic High School presenting the 2026 Kingfisher Folk Fest Saturday, August 1 at The Oaks at Daniel Ridge in Candler, NC, featuring performances by the Hillbilly Thomists, Colin Cutler and the Hot Pepper Jam, Hightop Mountain Harmony, and more. Tickets available at kingfisherfest.rsvpify.com.

The 42nd Annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem show will be from July 26th to August 2nd, 2026. There will be over 60 worldwide vendors with all kinds of lapidary related items for sale. There are gemstones, minerals, jewelry, fossils, quartz, lapidary equipment and more for you to see and purchase.
The event is put on by the Parkway Fire and Rescue as a way to make money to purchase new equipment for the fire stations.
There is food available for purchase on site. There are many restaurants very close.
There are now regular restrooms and showers available.
The event is free to the public. Free parking and free admission.
Everyone is welcome. Well-mannered dogs are allowed but must be on a leash with the owner attached to the leash.
Dates are July 26th to August 2nd. Some vendors may be open on Saturday 25th. since they can set up quickly.
Hours are from 9 to 6 daily, with some vendors open earlier and later since they are camping in their booths.
Address is 136 Majestic View, on the hill above Skyview Circle. This is on the hill above the fire station on Hwy 226 South of Spruce Pine.
Contact information is:
http://grassycreekgemshow.org for more info and application.
Phone contact: 828-765-2117
Http://info@grassycreekgemshow.org
Donna Collis collisdonna@yahoo.com 828-765-5519
Roger Frye 828-766-6136

Join us September 3 for the free 2nd Annual WNC Recovery Rally in downtown Asheville. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, community resources, and a celebration of recovery from mental health and substance use challenges. Sponsor and exhibitor registration closes August 1—don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this impactful community event.

An Evening at the Hogg House: Scottish Cultural Event

245th Anniversary Celebration & Scottish Cultural Gathering! Join us for a fun-filled evening of Scottish games, dance, art, food and the legendary stories of James Hogg.

$10 / PERSON;
12 years & under enter free

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM directly after the Outlandish Hillsborough Festival
Saturday, September 26th 2026
Saltire Gallerie
209 Burnside Dr.
Hillsborough, NC
27278
Easy walk from the Visitors Center/ Riverwalk, FREE PARKING

Mark your calendars for the Saturday October 10, 2026, when Marion, North Carolina, will host its 43rd Annual Mountain Glory Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This beloved event celebrates the arrival of autumn in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and spotlights regional makers and the joys of small-town living.
What to Expect:
• Handicrafts and Shopping: Explore over 175 craft, food, non-profit, and sponsor booths spread across three jam-packed blocks. You'll find a wide variety of locally made arts and crafts, perfect for finding original handicrafts.
• Delicious Food: Enjoy festival foods and local restaurants offering a diverse range of culinary delights.
• Live Music: Two stages will feature Marion's finest musicians, providing a lively soundtrack to the day.
• Mountain Glory Quilt Show: A signature event, the Mountain Glory Quilt Show will be held inside the McDowell Arts Council (50 South Main Street). Don't miss the chance to see a stunning variety of handmade quilts created by regional quilters.
• Family Fun at the "Kid's Korner": Bring the little ones for a day of hands-on activities, local entertainment, and the ever-popular best-dressed pet contest.
• Best-Dressed Pet Contest: If you love to dress up your pet, this is your chance! Bring your furry or feathered friend, strut your stuff, and let the crowd vote for the best dressed.
• Convenient Transportation: Free shuttle services will run every half hour from Hobby Lobby's parking lot (600 North Main Street) to the festival site. Handicap parking will be available behind State Farm Insurance (70 North Main Street).
• Bigfoot Sighting? You might even catch a glimpse of Marion's Official Animal, Bigfoot!
The festival is proudly sponsored by the City of Marion.
For More Information:
• Additional Area Information: For other events, attractions, and lodging, visit www.destinationmcdowell.com or call 828-668-4282.

Come experience the magic of Lake Eden for a joyful weekend of music, dancing, arts, creativity, spoken word, camping, outdoor adventures, wellness and PLAY, for families, friends, or simply you.

This special gathering honors 45 years of festival traditions at one of WNC’s most treasured places. Reconnect and celebrate the music, creativity, and community that have made Lake Eden feel like home for generations. The weekend also marks the debut of the printed 1st edition Book, Live Life Like a Festival,  honoring the people, traditions, and spirit that have brought us together over the years.

Intentionally limited in size, the Lake Eden Reunion creates space and to reconnect with old friends, be fully present, and dream together. Special partners include The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Beloved Asheville.

Come home. Come play. Come dream the next chapter with us.

Come experience the magic of Lake Eden for a joyful weekend of music, dancing, arts, creativity, spoken word, camping, outdoor adventures, wellness and PLAY, for families, friends, or simply you.

This special gathering honors 45 years of festival traditions at one of WNC’s most treasured places. Reconnect and celebrate the music, creativity, and community that have made Lake Eden feel like home for generations. The weekend also marks the debut of the printed 1st edition Book, Live Life Like a Festival,  honoring the people, traditions, and spirit that have brought us together over the years.

Intentionally limited in size, the Lake Eden Reunion creates space and to reconnect with old friends, be fully present, and dream together. Special partners include The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Beloved Asheville.

Come home. Come play. Come dream the next chapter with us.

Join us for the Irene Wortham Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities and community connection! Enjoy bouncy houses, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, prizes, a live DJ, and so much more. This free community event is a great opportunity to learn more about Irene Wortham and connect with other like-minded organizations and businesses serving our region. Interested in volunteering or hosting a table? Contact Jenny Thomas at jthomas@iwcnc.org for more information.