VISIT HAYWOOD COUNTY NC

Haywood Handmade Gallery's "Go with the Flow" exhibit celebrates the beauty, power, and importance of Haywood County’s waterways. In partnership with Haywood Waterways, this exhibition invites artists to create works inspired by rivers, streams, and other bodies of water—both literally and metaphorically. From flowing currents to reflections on life’s journeys, the show highlights how waterways inspire creativity while raising awareness of the need to protect and conserve our local watershed. Pictured work is by Peter Brown.

On the first Friday of each month May throughDecember, Downtown Waynesville transforms into a lively celebration of local art, music, and community from 5–8pm. Stroll the downtown area, explore galleries, meet artists, enjoy live music, and discover Waynesville's locally owned shops and restaurants. Photo by @graeskyecreative.

Take a step back in time at the Waynesville Moose Lodge’s Blue Ribbon Country Fair! Enter your tried-and-true recipes in contests for the best jams, jellies, and pickles, or throw your spatula into the ring during the bake off. The best dishes will take home a sought-after blue ribbon prize and bragging rights for a year. Not one for cooking? Sit back and spectate the competition, shop goods from local vendors, and enjoy live bands and clogging performances. Also on-site will be a petting zoo and pony rides for kids. Mark your calendars for this classic southern affair packed with family fun and, of course, lots of delicious food!

Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market invites everyone to experience local flavors and crafts every Saturday, April through December, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This producer-only market showcases a variety of products sourced from Haywood and nearby counties, including fresh produce, meats, fish, eggs, honey, dairy, flowers, nursery plants, baked goods, preserves, and heritage crafts. Leashed dogs are welcome. Come enjoy a top-notch community gathering to support local producers and stock up on the finest items Haywood has to offer!

Help protect Haywood's beautiful outdoors during the Haywood Hiking Challenge 2026, an all-levels hike-a-thon that aims to bring out a record number of hikers. As individuals or teams, participants will fundraise as they tackle self-chosen trails across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Compete with other hikers to earn pledges and win prizes, then celebrate with an awards presentation at Frog Level Brewing on Sunday evening. Find more info, donate, and register for the challenge at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/eac-hike-a-thon--2026! Photo from @rachelblaireroams.