In 2012, Shindig on the Green, the free mountain bluegrass music and dance festival, will return to its longtime home in the center of downtown Asheville, on Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park. This is the space previously known as City-County Plaza, in front of the Asheville City Hall.

Shindig will take a break July 28 during the downtown Bele Chere festival. The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival will be presented August 2-4.

Don't miss one of our favorite authentic events of the year, and we thrilled to be a major sponsor. Locals and visitors alike gather “along about sundown,” or at seven o’clock for those who wear a watch.

Musicians and dancers from across Western North Carolina gather on these Saturday nights to share the region's stirring Southern Appalachian mountain culture and traditions-with each other and visitors from around the world-at the Shindig on the Green.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot on the "green." But don't sit in your chair the entire time. Performers go on stage for just two numbers each, so the real jewel is the clusters of musicians that get together for informal jam sessions under the trees and on the sidewalk. Anyone can join in! Learn some new moves at one of the street dances. Also, don't miss their Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.

For another authentic Asheville event, see the Drumming Circle on Friday nights.

“Run For Shindig on the Green” 5K Race & Fun Walk/Run. Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Carrier Park. Fun Walk/Run begins at 9 AM and 5K Race begins at 10:00 AM A special fundraising benefit for Shindig on the Green, the race kicks off the first Shindig evening of 2012. Fun Walk/Run $10; 5K $25 until May 15 (after May 15 registration $30). For more information visit www.folkheritage.org or call the Folk Heritage info line: 828-258-6101 x345.