Bele Chere in Downtown Asheville: A Mountain Festival to Remember Tuesday, 22nd July 2008, 11:09am

Each year, on the last full weekend of July, the streets of downtown Asheville are closed to autos and trucks and open only to foot traffic and revelry. The annual Bele Chere festival in Asheville features a rich array of musical entertainment, street vendors, food, and family fun that makes everyone forget it’s the dog days of summer.

Bele Chere Celebrates 30 Years of Festivals

In 2008, Bele Chere turns 30 years old. This City of Asheville sponsored event not only brings the best of local and national musical entertainment to more than a half dozen street stages, but also creates a venue for artisans to sell their wares directly to the public. Much of the original hand made art, clothes, décor and more is only available at the Bele Chere festival or through artists themselves or independent distributors. Bele Chere is a fun way to celebrate beauty, creativity, and culture.

Bele Chere Stages

There are several stages for Bele Chere and live music can be heard all day long on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Stages include: Battery Park Stage, Biltmore Stage, Memorial Stadium, Haywood Stage, Lexington Avenue Stage, and the Coxe Avenue Stage. Check the locally published music schedules in the Mountain Xpress or the Asheville Citizen-Times for specific performers or visit the Bele Chere Entertainer page.

Shuttle Service

The City of Asheville offers shuttle services to and from Bele Chere from East and West Asheville locations. For shuttle users, the fare is $3.00. Consider taking the shuttle from the K-Mart Plaza shopping center on Patton Avenue in West Asheville or the Asheville Mall in East Asheville.

Festival Parking

Parking in downtown Asheville is crowded, but the Civic Center, Rankin Avenue, Wall Street and BB&T public garages are open and accessible during the festival for a special events parking fee. Public garages and private lots make traveling to and from Bele Chere by car easier. Remember, lots do tend to fill up quickly, and parking downtown is diminished due to less access to streets, so the shuttle is a great option.

What to Wear to Bele Chere?

Bele Chere occurs during the height of the summer season, and it can still be quite hot, even in the mountains of Asheville. Temperatures can range from the late eighties to ninety degrees. Dress in cool, comfortable attire, and wear flat shoes or sandals that are designed for walking. The streets in downtown Asheville are hills and a challenge for some. Take frequent breaks to avoid overheating.

Use the Cooling Stations and Stay Well Hydrated

One of the nicest things about the Bele Chere festival is the cooling station provided for the crowds. Bele Chere attendees only need to walk through the gentle mist of water for a few seconds to emerge on the other side feeling refreshed and a whole lot cooler. Don’t forget to bring drinking water along (or purchase some at the festival) and drink water often. Hot temperatures at Bele Chere during the day are not so bad. Use the heat as an excuse to duck into a favorite downtown Asheville restaurant, bar, or store.

Rules for Alcohol Consumption at Bele Chere

Bele Chere is a well renowned Blue Ridge Mountain festival that has drawn in crowds over a quarter to nearly a half million strong. Purchase of beer and drinking on the streets of Asheville is permitted during this special time of year. To be issued a wristband, visitors must present a valid, picture identification and be age 21 or older. The wristband is available for a small fee and must be worn at all times, for consumption of alcohol. Local microbreweries are featured, and all of the downtown restaurants and bars have Bele Chere specials on sale inside and outside stores for the event.