98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival Opens Asheville

Ashe County and Asheville, North Carolina, are hosting a variety of cultural and artistic events in early August that celebrate local heritage and creativity. The 98th annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in Asheville will run from July 31 to August 3, showcasing Appalachian storytelling, dance, and music, and is noted as the longest continuously running folk festival in the nation. Concurrently, the Ashe County Studio Tour on August 2-3 offers a free, self-guided experience of 18 local artist studios across multiple communities, allowing visitors to meet artists and purchase artwork. Additionally, a Tropical Rock festival featuring Jimmy Buffett tribute bands and other musicians will take place at Old Barn Winery in West Jefferson on August 9, benefiting a local nonprofit providing essentials to those in need. Other activities in Ashe County include political meetings, summer concerts, and hikes, which contribute to a vibrant community atmosphere during this period. These events collectively highlight the region's rich cultural fabric and commitment to supporting both the arts and community welfare.