Hold onto your hats Asheville. If you think that the summer has been hot so far—you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
In less than two weeks, the City of Asheville, the Bele Chere Board of Directors, and an eclectic army of supporters dedicated to continuing the tradition of “beautiful living” here in North Carolina, will descend on the downtown area to launch the 33rd Annual Bele Chere Festival. The Festival, which was first held back in 1979 on a patch of land that spanned about three city blocks, has now grown into the largest street festival of its kind in the southeast, drawing well over a quarter million visitors each summer—and consuming every available inch of Asheville’s central business district for the better part of three days.
Over the course of the event—which will officially kick-off at 12pm on Friday, July 29th and wrap-up at 6pm on Sunday, July 31st—a wide variety of musicians, artists, vendors, and “home folk” will gather to celebrate the special ingredient that has helped to make Asheville great: its people. And true to the spirit of southern hospitality, Bele Chere’s organizers will ensure that there is something fun for everyone:
Children and Youth. For the littles, the Arena Level of the Asheville Civic Center will be transformed into an alcohol-free Children’s Area featuring free crafts, children’s performances, and ticketed rides.
Music Aficionados. Love music? No problem. The Festival will host more than 40 bands representing diverse lyrical traditions including Rock & Roll, R & B, Bluegrass, Top 40, and Gospel.
The Artistic. Consider yourself crafty? Great! Visit Bele Chere and greet some of the most skilled artisans from across the nation as they show and sell high-quality works in metal, fabric, paint, and other popular mediums.
Silver Foxes. Who says that young people should have all the fun? Join Asheville’s “young at heart” at the Bele Chere Senior Oasis as they enjoy all of the same fun as the younger set—and maybe more—in a cozy, air-conditioned venue.
So whether you’re a swinging single, married with children, a forward-thinking elder, or somewhere in between, plan to join the fun at this year’s Bele Chere Festival. After all, you’ve only got one life to live. Why not make it beautiful?
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