Each year, during the last full weekend of July, downtown Asheville is transformed into the largest free street festival in the southeast. Streets are barricaded against traffic, and hundreds of booths crowd the pavements. Visitors can stroll along and admire diverse arts and crafts, from pottery to photography to jewellery, or sample Asheville's finest fare, from Southern to Cajun to sweets. Live music as well as community events, including a scavenger hunt, a softball tournament, a 5K and fun run, poetry and mural walls and a Clydesdale parade, round out the lively festival. Bele Chere means 'beautiful living', and Asheville's beautiful life is on proud display at this time.

Venue: Downtown business area, with Pack Square at the centre

Date: 27 - 29 July 2012

Website: www.belecherefestival.com