COMMUNITY EVENTS
COME CELEBRATE OUR DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY
Heart of Brevard invites locals and visitors alike to explore a variety of independent businesses and top-notch attractions. Between live music, great shopping, gallery tours, delicious food, and special events, there is always something to discover in the Heart! HOB sponsors special events, street festivals and promotional programs to encourage locals and visitors to the district and create a strong, positive image with the public. Our programs may range from large scale events, to self guided tours, to modest shop local promotional events and public relations efforts. We welcome you to head to the heart!
White Squirrel Weekend
May 23-25, 2025
presented by DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors
The beloved White Squirrel Weekend combines a stellar live music line-up, a smorgasbord of tasty offerings from vendors and local craft breweries and an assortment of treasures from craft & retail vendors into one fantastic event. A music line up, full schedule and more info coming soon!
WSW 2025 Vendor Applications ARE CLOSED as of February 7.
Shindig on Main + Fireworks Extravaganza
presented by Looking Glass Realty
July 4, 2025
Celebrate Independence Day in downtown Brevard with Shindig on Main, a vibrant, family-friendly event on July 4, 2025 beginning at 10am.
This year’s festivities will feature the Transylvania Cruisers Classic Auto Show, children’s bike parade, and plenty of family fun. Enjoy a patriotic flag-raising ceremony, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by local elected officials, food trucks, live music, and entertainment throughout the day.
As night falls, get ready for the Fireworks Extravaganza, a breathtaking display launching from Brevard College. Fireworks will be visible from multiple locations throughout downtown Brevard, including Main Street, Jailhouse Hill, and the Courthouse lawn. The community is also welcome to watch from Brevard College’s campus, though there will be no official programming on-site.
Join us for a day of patriotism, community spirit, and spectacular fireworks in downtown Brevard!
Vendor Applications Open April 11th.
September 8-13, 2025
The Brevard Plein Air Festival returns for its fifth year as a four-day juried painting event, culminating in the popular Wet Paint Art Show & Sale on Saturday, September 13th in downtown Brevard. This signature event invites talented artists from across the region to capture the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant spirit of Brevard and its surrounding areas.
September is the perfect time to experience Western North Carolina, as early hints of fall begin to transform the mountains with vibrant colors. Artists will find endless inspiration not only in the area’s renowned waterfalls, sweeping mountain vistas, and serene valleys but also in Brevard’s historic and charming downtown. Its picturesque streets, lined with locally owned shops, galleries, and cafes, provide a perfect backdrop for capturing the town’s unique character and welcoming community.
Celebrate five years of creativity, community, and the magic of plein air painting this September!
October 25th, 2025
presented by Brevard Insurance
Count Dracula may not live full time in Transylvania County, but we’re pretty sure he clears his schedule every year for Heart of Brevard’s Halloweenfest, held annually on the Saturday before Halloween in downtown Brevard. This “fangtastic” event features FREE family-friendly fun, including bounce houses, our traditional costume competition and parade, the Magic Book Bus, a hula hoop dance party, an array of craft & retail and food vendors, and more. Join us for this amazing event and explore downtown Brevard’s businesses through a downtown Spooky Stroll Open House and downtown trick or treating!
Vendor Applications Open July 11th.
Holiday Windows Competition & Walking Tour
November 29-December 31, 2025
presented by Comporium
Downtown businesses in the Heart of Brevard decorate their windows with spectacular, eye-popping displays for all to enjoy. The holiday window competition showcases festive and fun windows, mirroring the Chamber’s annual Christmas parade theme. This year’s theme is “Merry and Bright”. A panel of celebrity judges vote on the windows for winners in five categories. Visitors to downtown can also vote for their favorite window to win the People’s Choice Award.
View the 2024 Holiday Windows Competition & Walking Tour here!
Light Up the Night
December 6, 2025
Produced in partnership with Transylvania County Parks and Recreation
Light Up the Night in downtown Brevard this holiday season! This community event immerses visitors in an evening of wonder, featuring twinkling lights, illuminated snowflakes and beautifully decorated storefronts. Join us for the official tree-lighting ceremony, live music, performances, ice skating, hayrides, food trucks, festive downtown shopping and more. New this year, Merry Maker’s Market.
Join us for an evening of free family fun!
View the event details and schedule here.
OTHER DOWNTOWN EVENTS
Assault on the Carolinas
April 5, 2025
produced by the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club
The Assault on the Carolinas is a popular bike ride and annual fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club. They offer 100k and 50k rides. The 100k goes through North Carolina and South Carolina mountains and valleys. Fully supported ride with 5 well stocked rest stops, and a challenging 6 mile climb up Ceasar’s Head. The 50k goes through the river valleys of Scenic Transylvania County.
Learn more about the Assault on the Carolinas and register here.
Luft-Wasser Porsches in Brevard
April 26, 2025
produced by the Appalachian Region Porsche Club
Come and enjoy the Appalachian Region of the Porsche Club of America at the annual Luft Wasser Porsche Celebration in Brevard, North Carolina. Over 150 Porsches will be arriving in downtown Brevard between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and then will be on display on Main Street until 2:00 p.m.
Learn more about Luft-Wasser and the Appalachian Region Porsche Club here.
4th Friday Art Walks
May-December
produced by the Transylvania Community Arts Council
4th Friday Gallery walks in downtown Brevard, NC offer a delightful and vibrant experience for art enthusiasts and the local community. Held on the fourth Friday of each month*, from 5-7pm, these events provide a unique opportunity to explore the diverse art scene in Brevard while supporting local galleries.
Attendees can expect to enjoy a delightful assortment of art displays and exhibitions. Participating galleries and businesses showcase a wide range of artistic styles, including paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, and more.
Whether you are an avid art collector, a casual art appreciator, or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable evening, 4th Friday Gallery walks in downtown Brevard, NC offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local art community. 4th Friday Gallery walks not only provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work but also contribute to the economic growth of the community. By attending these events and purchasing artwork, attendees directly support the local galleries, artists, and the vibrant arts scene in Brevard.
4th Friday Gallery Walks are produced by the Transylvania Community Arts Council. Learn more here.
* Please note that December’s art walk is held on the 3rd Friday of the month.
Christmas Parade
December 6th, 2025
produced by the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
The Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce invites you to kick off the holiday season with this fun and festive holiday tradition! The parade will be held Saturday, December 7TH at 2:30PM.
Additional information on this year’s parade can be found here.