We're less than two weeks from Bele Chere, one of the biggest free music festivals in the South.  All of downtown Asheville becomes one giant party starting the afternoon of Friday the 24th and ending that Sunday night.  Admission is free; parking, drinks, and food are not. 

You can save yourself some money if you plan ahead.  For one thing, try walking to downtown or taking a shuttle for $3.  Parking downtown will probably be around $10 per car and up, so that might be cheaper than the shuttle if you car pool.  Get more info about shuttles at the Bele Chere Festival site.  You'll be able to drink alcohol, and other beverages on the street; even bottled water will be pricey though.  Backpacks are allowed, but you can't bring your own alcohol.  You can bring water and snacks though.  I always bring a backpack to carry all the free schwag vendors give out anyway.

The City of Asheville has said that this Bele Chere will be smaller and more focused on local music and artists.  That's just fine with me.  I doubt that will do much to change the size of the crowds though.  Expect >60,000 people to visit each day.  I'm counting the days...

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are coming up this weekend.  Starting Thursday and ending Sunday, its one of the largest Scottish and Celtic festivals in the country.  Check out the traditional sporting events, attire, and music.  Its $15 per person for Thursday and $20 per person for Friday and Saturday.   Read more here.

Hurrray for the 4th of July.  Some folks were lucky enough to get a 3 day weekend out of it, some weren't.  Either way, there well be a ton of people in Asheville for the weekend.  I guess the main event is the fireworks downtown.  The City has said the fireworks will be toned down this year to save money.  But it's still better than nothing; some local towns have cancelled their fireworks entirely.  So, come on downtown.  Walk around, eat, drink, and be merry.  Then watch the fireworks after dusk.