Festival season has officially begun in Brevard, NC. There’s no better way to kick it off than with the annual White Squirrel Festival, held downtown May 24, 25 & 26. Best of all, it’s free!
Each year on Memorial Weekend the sun is shining, the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in full bloom, the breeze is fresh, and life in our mountain town gets even sweeter. Though the festival centers on our resident white squirrels, the weekend is a time for community members and visitors alike to enjoy what makes our part of the world unique. (See https://www.brevardnc.org/white-squirrels/ for the full story on the origins of Brevard’s white squirrels.)
At the White Squirrel Festival, there is truly something for everyone. Downtown is closed to allow foot traffic only, and many activities and events including live music, and local and regional crafts, beers and ciders, and delicious food abound. It’s a time for community members to gather, whether we’re long-time residents or brand new to the county. And it’s a fabulous way to kick off summer.
- Start your weekend off right with live music on Friday night. Can’t get here Friday? There will be music all weekend long, including performances by Brother Oliver, The Po Ramblin’ Boys, Cody Siniard, Fireside Collective, and headliner Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, among many others. For the full lineup of rock, bluegrass, jazz, singer-songwriter specials and more, go to https://whitesquirrelfestival.com/band-lineup.html.
- Lace up your running shoes and get a local’s view of town with the annual White Squirrel 5K & Fun Run. The race is sponsored by the Brevard Rotary Club, and begins at 8:00 a.m. Registration runs from $10-$50, with discounts for families and veterans. For more information, and to register, go to https://racesonline.com/events/white-squirrel-5k-and-fun-run.
- Don’t miss the American Legion’s annual Memorial Parade and wreath ceremony, which begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Each year, American Legion Post 88 “welcomes any and all veterans, military members, families, friends and citizens of Transylvania County” to stand with them as they pay tribute to fallen servicemen and women. For more information about the parade route and ceremony, please contact 883-3731 or go to brevardpost88.org.
- Find gorgeous jewelry, unique arts and crafts, and be sure to grab a bite to eat from the many craft and food vendors in residence. Or pop into a host of shops and restaurants for a bit of air conditioning and a look at what special magic Brevard’s downtown business owners, restaurateurs, artists and more are creating here.
Only visiting, or maybe you’ve recently moved in? Make this weekend a new tradition with family and friends alike. Still considering whether to purchase a home here? The White Squirrel Festival is a great way to experience just a taste of the arts, outdoors, and cultural bounty Brevard, NC offers all the year through.
For a complete list of the White Squirrel Festival’s events, activities, vendors, the musical line-up, and more, go to www.whitesquirrelfestival.com. We’ll see you downtown!