YOUR WAYNESVILLE NC TRAVEL GUIDE

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.

Come to this year’s Haywood County Fair for a blend of classic fun and heart-racing excitement! Featuring carnival games and rides, circus acts, magic and illusion shows, face painting, a viewing zoo, heritage craft demos, and more! Challenge yourself with axe throwing, GellyBall wars, and mechanical bull ride, then grab a bite from Food Truck Row and settle in for the demolition derby! Compete for top honors in in Haywood Idol, livestock contests, the mullet competition (yes, for real), and a cornhole tournament. Attendees with sensory sensitivities and other special needs can enjoy an accommodating Fair experience on a private-entry Inclusion Day!

Race Website Celebrate Waynesville Parks & Recreation with the Rec Jam 5k! This course starts and finishes at the Waynesville Recreation Center, and takes runners on a scenic tour of the greenway. With just ~60ft of elevation gain, this is a flat, fast course for both the competitive runners and the family looking for a scenic morning of fun! The Rec Jam 5k welcomes walkers and is stroller friendly. A commemorative race shirt & chip timing are included in 5K race registration. NEW THIS YEAR! The Fun Run Loop is 1 lap of the Waynesville Rec Center track and includes a bib and finisher medal! The Fun Run Loop starts at 8:45AM.

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!

Celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month with a special afternoon of silent reading at Crown & Thistle Tea Room. Reading can be a powerful form of self-care that can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost your mental health. Simply show up, grab a light bite, share what you’re reading, and then tuck into your book while you soak up the relaxing atmosphere. Optionally, partake in a 30-minute mixer to wrap up the event (or just keep reading)! A $5 entry fee will be collected at the door.