ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for weekend plans? We have you covered. From Goombay Festival to a Puppy Palooza, there is no shortage of things to do in the 828 this weekend. Read more in our guide below.
Friday, Sept. 5
Goombay Festival 2025 – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., YMI Cultural Center, 39 S. Market St.
Goombay Festival, which will run Sept. 4-7 in Pack Square Park and at the YMI Cultural Center, is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating Black culture, art and entertainment with food, music, film, fashion and more. Check out the full schedule of events at www.ymiculturalcenter.org/goombay.
Healthy Aging Day – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reuter Family YMCA
The YMCA of Western North Carolina will kick off Healthy Aging Month this September with a day of free group activities, food and health screenings at the YMCA in Biltmore Park. Expect everything from pickle ball to free food and drinks.
Fall for Love Weekend Adoption Event – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane
At the Asheville Humane Society adoption event this weekend, all of the traditional adoption fees will be waived, included spaying and neutering, a full round of vaccines and microchips. Families who meet their new furry friend will also receive a bag of food, while the first 10 pets to be adopted will go home with a goody bag. The event will last through Sunday, Sept. 7.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Historic Burton Street Ag Fair – Noon to 6 p.m., 134 Burton St.
A brand-new playground and basketball court will be unveiled at the Burton Street Park and Community Center during the fair. The event will feature live music, games and crafts, inflatables, food vendors and a 3v3 basketball tournament with a cash prize and no fee to enter. The fair will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the new playground and basketball court at noon.
Haw Creek Community Association Community Yard Sale – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Road
Expect free admission at the HCCA Community Yard Sale, which will feature dozens of community vendors bringing the best items from their closets, garages and attics for sale. Homemade baked goods will also be on sale to benefit HCCA.
Asheville Community Square Dance – 7 to 9:30 p.m., Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Road
After a summer break, the Asheville Community Square Dance returns this Saturday with live music, dancing and community cheer, no experience necessary. A flatfoot lesson will be held at 7 p.m., while dancing will go from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 years old and younger.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Asheville Mardi Gras Krewe Meet and Greet – 2 to 5 p.m., Burial Beer Co. South Slope
Learn all about what makes a Mardi Gras krewe, meet the Asheville Mardi Gras krewe and potentially form your own at this free, family-friendly, dress up-encouraged event. Vendors will be present and Asheville Second Line will perform.
Puppy Palooza: A Fundraiser for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue – Noon to 4 p.m., The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Road
The Mule goes all out for Brother Wolf with a dog day event featuring doggie ice cream, tie-dye, dog treats, a pet spa and more. Bringing your dogs – and your friends – is encouraged.
