ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The 2026 WNC Parade of Homes returns to Western North Carolina in October, offering homebuyers, homeowners and design enthusiasts a chance to tour homes and gather ideas for custom builds, renovations and future projects.

Presented by Warmstead and hosted by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM), the free, self-guided event takes place Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. Visitors can tour homes across the region and meet the builders, designers and craftspeople behind them.

“A lot of people assume the Parade is only for someone who’s getting ready to build,” says Megan Carroll, executive officer of BABRM. “But that’s really not the case. You might be planning a renovation, thinking about a future project, or just looking for inspiration. It’s a great opportunity to see different approaches to design and talk with the people who build these homes every day.”

For those planning to attend the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes, a little preparation can help make the most of the two tour weekends.

How to Plan Your WNC Parade of Homes Route

Unlike a traditional home tour centered in one neighborhood, the WNC Parade of Homes stretches across the Asheville area and Western North Carolina. Participating homes can be found in Asheville, Black Mountain, Hendersonville, Fletcher, Weaverville and other mountain communities.

Before the Parade begins, visitors can use the official website or Parade of Homes magazine to browse homes by location, builder, home style and tour type. Grouping nearby homes can make it easier to visit several properties in one day or spread visits across both weekends.

Some homes will be open for in-person tours, while others will be available virtually. Checking individual listings before heading out can help visitors plan their schedules.

“Rather than trying to fit everything into one day, I’d encourage visitors to choose the homes that interest them most and take time to really experience each one,” Carroll says.

Visit Homes Outside Your Comfort Zone

Whether you’re interested in a modern farmhouse in Hendersonville or a mountain modern home in Waynesville, focusing only on homes that match a specific vision can mean overlooking useful ideas elsewhere.

As you tour the Parade, consider individual elements of each home, including floor plans, storage solutions and design details that could work in your own space.

“Every home has something to offer,” Carroll says. “You might not fall in love with the whole house, but you could leave with an idea for your kitchen, your porch, or the way a room is laid out. That’s really what the Parade is about: collecting ideas and seeing what works for you.”

Ask Builders About Their Design Decisions

One advantage of attending the WNC Parade of Homes is the opportunity to speak directly with the builders, architects, designers and craftspeople behind each project.

Beyond asking about finishes and fixtures, visitors can ask why a home was designed a certain way, how the team approached the building site or what factors influenced the layout and material selections. Those conversations can offer insight into decisions that may be relevant to a future custom home or renovation project.

“When visitors ask questions, they get to hear about the challenges, the creative solutions, and the thought process that went into bringing each project to life,” Carroll says.

Explore Parade of Homes Listings After the Event

Parade of Homes listings remain available online after the October tour weekends, giving visitors an opportunity to revisit homes and ideas throughout the year.

Visitors can browse photo galleries, review floor plans, explore virtual tours and learn more about participating builders. The online resources can also be useful for those planning a home project months or years after attending the Parade.

“It’s impossible to absorb every detail during a home tour,” Carroll says. “Being able to go back online gives people another opportunity to study a floor plan, compare homes, or take a closer look at the features they liked most.”

When Is the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes?

The 2026 WNC Parade of Homes takes place Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 at participating homes throughout Western North Carolina. The event is free and self-guided.

Visit wncparadeofhomes.com to browse participating homes, map out a route and explore virtual tours.