For the third year in a row, First United Methodist Church in Waynesville is teaming up with community partners to celebrate Juneteenth — the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. But while the event has taken place at Lake Junaluska in past years, this year, the community is invited to celebrate on Academy Street just outside of FUMC for a day of music, games, storytelling, food and good company.

What's going on this weekend?

What's going on this weekend?

Easter Celebrations in WNC

• Western Carolina University’s Martin Luther King Jr. weeklong celebration will be highlighted this year with speaker Charisse Burden-Stelly’s keynote address “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Tradition of Radical Blackness.” Find a full list of events here.

• The Jackson County Veterans Day Parade will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11, on Main Street in Sylva. Line up will begin at 2 p.m. at Mark Watson Park and the parade will begin at 3 p.m. 828.631.2231.

Fall is an exciting, beautiful season in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Below is a roundup of some of the big events going on in the region. 

Some of the Labor Day events we’ve come to know and love have been canceled this year due to the pandemic and/or the recent flooding in parts of Haywood County. However, there are still plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the holiday weekend.