NC MOUNTAIN ARTS & CULTURE

Follow a trail of creative scarecrows built by Canton’s local shops, restaurants, non-profits, and other small businesses! The 2026 theme is Grimms Fairy Tales. Once you’ve explored, head to the trail website to cast your vote for the Funniest, Most Creative, and Best Representation of the Fairy Tale. The display that has the most votes overall will win the People’s Choice Award. Pictured: Vince, the frog prince scarecrow, created by Cold Mountain Art Collective.

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.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Haywood Handmade Gallery's annual, community-favorite Small Works exhibit celebrates creativity in a compact form. Featuring artwork 12×12 inches or smaller, as well as handcrafted ornaments, this show is perfect for gift-giving or adding a little joy to your own collection. Celebrate the season and discover the big impact of small art! Pictured work is by Jen Picicci.

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.

Shop for distinctive, handcrafted gifts while supporting artists and makers at the Shelton House’s Holiday Craft Market! You’ll find no commercially manufactured or mass-produced items here––this market is committed to showcasing exclusively hand-made, artisanal goods from local and regional crafters. The Holiday Craft Market is part of Christmas Through the Years, a festive weekend celebrating the traditions, creativity, and joy of the holiday season. Throughout the weekend, the Shelton House campus will come alive with holiday activities for visitors of all ages.