Shindig on the Green
Free old-time music and dance in downtown Asheville since 1967
⏱ 2-3 hours👤 All agesFree
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What you will see: a quick sequence of acts, from tight bluegrass sets to a flatfoot clogging team in matching dresses, with a dance floor in front of the stage. Between sets, the lawn fills with impromptu pickers. You do not need to know the music to enjoy it, and many first-time visitors end up learning a square-dance step.
Making the most of it: arrive an hour early to claim a patch of lawn, bring a chair or blanket, a light jacket for the cooler mountain evening and cash or a card for food. Walk over after dinner in one of the downtown restaurants. If you play an instrument and want to join a jam, bring it along. If you prefer a quieter evening, the rear of the lawn is calmer than the area by the stage.
The music and the culture: the Shindig is rooted in the traditions that shaped Appalachian music, including old-time fiddle tunes, ballads brought from the British Isles and the clogging that evolved in the mountains. Many of the performers are volunteers who learned the music from family and neighbors. Spend a few minutes at the edge of a jam circle to see how the players trade melodies, and do not be shy about clapping along. The evening cools quickly after sunset, so bring a sweater. Pack Square Park is also close to the Urban Trail and the Basilica, so an early walk before the music starts is easy.
Practicals and fit: Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, downtown Asheville; Saturday evenings in summer; free. Fit: music lovers, couples, families with kids who can handle a late evening, budget travelers and anyone curious about Appalachian culture.
What to Expect
Format
A free outdoor evening of traditional Appalachian string-band music, clogging and square dancing on the Pack Square Park lawn, with jam circles around the park.
Best Time
Saturday evenings in July and August, from about 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; dates can shift, so confirm before you plan.
Duration
Two to three hours.
Tips
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a light jacket. Downtown street parking is free after 6 p.m. No pets except service animals.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
A free, authentic taste of mountain music and dance.
Families
Kids dance on the grass; the early sets suit younger children.
Couples
Dinner downtown, then a blanket on the lawn.
Pair With
Downtown Asheville, the Urban Trail and a South Slope brewery.
Time Needed
An evening.
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Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shindig on the Green?
On Saturday evenings in July and August, usually from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Confirm exact dates with the organizers, as the schedule can pause for other festivals.
Is it free?
Yes. Admission is free, and concessions are sold on site.
Where is it held?
In Pack Square Park at 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville, at the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage.
What should I bring?
A lawn chair or blanket, a light jacket and an instrument if you want to join a jam session.
Where do I park?
Downtown street parking is free after 6 p.m., and the Charlotte Street parking deck is across from the park.
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