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!
Shindig on Main + Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4th, 2024
Shindig on Main, a vibrant and community-focused celebration of Independence Day, will be held in the heart of downtown Brevard on July 4th from 4 PM to 9:30 PM. East Main Street will be bustling with entertainment and patriotic spirit, making it the perfect event for families and friends to come together. The event will kick off with a patriotic flag raising ceremony, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence by elected officials. Food trucks, live music and family fun.
As the evening progresses, the excitement will build towards the grand finale—the annual Fireworks Extravaganza. After dark, the night sky will light up with an impressive display of fireworks launched from Brevard College. While the fireworks will be visible from Main Street and Jailhouse Hill, the community is also welcome to view them on the Brevard College campus, though there is no official programming on campus.
Rain Date: TBA
Brevard En Plein Air Festival
September 9th-14th, 2024
Our 4th annual Art is in the Air Festival is a four-day, plein air painting event that takes place in the beautiful mountainous area surrounding the town of Brevard, NC .
The event features en plein air style painting. The French phrase “en plein air,” means in plain air, or outside. It is also tied to the painting method by the same name, which opts for making art entirely outside rather than inside a studio.
The event welcomes artists from across the region to share their talents and beauty of downtown Brevard and surrounding areas. At the end of the weekend, the works they create will be sold at the event’s Wet Paint Show and Sale to support Heart of Brevard. Visitors are invited to come downtown to check out artists at work and to shop the Wet Paint Show and Sale.
Apply to be a participant in Brevard Plein Air.
Apply for our September Makers Market.
41st Halloweenfest & Spooky Stroll
October 26th, 2024
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!
Holiday Windows Competition & Walking Tour
November 29th-December 31st
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 “Holidays: Past, Present and Future”. 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.
Look back at 2023 Holiday Windows Competition & Walking Tour here!
Light Up the Night
December 7, 2024
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!
White Squirrel Weekend
May, 2025
presented by DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors
Celebrating 20 years in 2024! 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 2024 Vendor Applications are CLOSED.
OTHER DOWNTOWN EVENTS
Assault on the Carolinas
April 6th, 2024
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 27, 2024
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 7th, 2024
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 2nd at 11am.
Additional information on the parade and how to apply coming soon.