ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The fourth annual HarvestFest will return Aug. 23 to Olivette’s Riverside Park, celebrating local farmers, music and community while supporting the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.
The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and will feature family games, activities and music from students of the Rock Academy. Bluegrass band the Barsters will take the stage at 4 p.m. Farmers and their families will receive free admission.
The festival is among a string of upcoming regional celebrations:
ASAP Farm Tour, Sept. 20-21, Western North Carolina farms. A self-guided tour of 21 working farms with tastings, livestock visits and seasonal produce.
NC Apple Festival, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Street fair, apple treats and family activities.
Grape Stomp 2025, Aug. 30, Burntshirt Vineyards. Live music, wine tasting and grape stomping.
Mountain Heritage Day, Sept. 22-27, Western Carolina University. Appalachian music, crafts and food.
Asheville Greek Festival, Sept. 26-27, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Greek food, dance and a drive-thru for take-home treats.
Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest, Sept. 28, Oak & Grist in Black Mountain. Tastings, demos and artisan cheese vendors.
Growers and Makers Market at the WNC Farmers Market Fall Festival, Oct. 4. Locally made goods and seasonal produce.
NC Mountaineer & Apple Butter Festival, Oct. 11-12, Bakersville. Fall crafts, music and apple butter making.
Harvest Festival, Oct. 17-18, Stecoah Valley. Traditional mountain music, dance and food.
Apple Harvest Festival, Oct. 18, downtown Waynesville. Apple-themed treats, music and crafts.
WNC Fermenting Festival, Nov. 2, Olivette Farm Stand, Alexander. Workshops and tastings of fermented goods.
