Memorial Day Weekend: Festival of the Arts in Pack Square

Spend a Memorial Day Weekend afternoon at the Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts — a juried, free outdoor art-and-craft show in Pack Square.
This is the 5th Annual Downtown Asheville Memorial Day Weekend Festival of the Arts, which takes over the streets of North and South Pack Square (around the old Vance Memorial site) and Reuter Terrace. It's a juried show — local and national artists with work in glass, ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, wood, and mixed media, alongside a Crafters Market featuring handmade craft artisans.
We'll meet on Sunday morning, walk the festival together, talk to a few artists, and grab a late lunch at a downtown restaurant after.
The Plan:
• 11:00 AM — Meet near the entrance to North Pack Square (look for the Asheville Transplants sign)
• 11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Walk the festival: browse local and national artists, watch artisans at work, chat with anyone whose booth catches your eye
• ~1:00 PM — Walk to a nearby downtown restaurant for a late lunch (pay-your-own; we'll pick a spot together)
• 2:00 PM — Wrap up, or keep exploring downtown if you want to stretch the day
What to Know:
• The festival is free and outdoors, running Sat May 23 and Sun May 24, 10 AM–5 PM both days
• This is an art-and-craft show, not a music or food festival — there are no live bands or food trucks on-site, so plan to grab lunch with the group at a downtown restaurant after
• Bring cash or a card for art purchases — most vendors take both, but cash is faster
• Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes — we'll be walking and standing on paved streets
• Parking: Rankin Ave parking garage is closest, or look for metered street spots nearby
• Rain or shine
Why This Event:
Memorial Day weekend in Asheville is at its best — the mountains are green, the weather is warm, and downtown comes alive. This festival is one of the best ways to meet local artists, see the craftsmanship Western North Carolina is known for, and spend a holiday Sunday with fellow transplants. Solo attendees always welcome.