Saturday, May 16
Join the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce as it presents Art in the Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Blowing Rock. Browse and shop handcrafted goods such as jewelry, pottery and paintings while supporting local and regional artisans. Created by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce in 1962 to celebrate craftspeople of the High Country, Art in the Park takes place annually with various dates every summer to early fall.
Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23
Downtown Boone Restaurant Week
Support local restaurants as the town of Boone hosts its annual restaurant week. With limited-time menu items and exclusive deals, you can explore local flavors and spend a night out on the town. Participating restaurants include Come Back Shack, Lost Province Brewing Co., Boone Bagelry and more featured on the downtown Boone website.
Saturday, May 30
Storytelling with Orville Hicks & Tall Tale Contest
Appalachian folklorist and storyteller Orville Hicks is set to recount generations-old legends from noon to 3 p.m. at Hickory Ridge History Museum. After Hicks’ performance concludes, enjoy stories presented by the audience with a Tall Tale Contest honoring the art of storytelling. Contest sign-ups are offered through email and in person at the event for an entry fee of $10 with prizes for the top three storytellers.
Saturday, June 6
National Trails Day Scavenger Hunt
Grandfather Mountain State Park presents a National Trails Day celebration from 8:30-11:30 a.m. with a scavenger hunt along the Nuwati Trail. Head to Boone Fork Parking Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway to grab your scavenger hunt supplies and set out for a three-mile hike to Storyteller’s Rock.
Friday, June 12
ARTtalk: John Shorb, Dieu Donné
Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21
Boonerang Music & Arts Festival
Each year during the third week of June, the streets of downtown are flooded with music as Boone welcomes local and regional artists to its Boonerang stages. There will be three days of performances and activities for all ages, such as food, a silent disco and an artist market. This year’s lineup features a wide range of artists including Fireside Collective, Toubab Krewe and Sam Fribush Organ Trio.
Saturday, July 11
40th Anniversary Rosen Sculpture Walk
The Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition celebrates its 40th year as a part of An Appalachian Summer Festival with its annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk. Starting at 10 a.m. at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, participants will take a guided tour of the 10 sculptures entered in this year’s contest before returning for award announcements and lunch.
Saturday, July 11
Daniel Boone Native Gardens Fairy Day
From 1-5 p.m., Fairy Day will be held at Daniel Boone Native Gardens. Admission for adults is $5 and free for people 17 and under. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in fairy-themed attire to enjoy live music, dancers, vendors and interactive activities.
Wednesday, July 29
Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals will celebrate Animal Enrichment Day during regular park hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Activities, including enrichment demonstrations, conversations with keepers, games and crafts, will be located at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and the adjacent wildlife habitats. These activities are included in the price of park admission.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Lord Huron | Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series
Beech Mountain Resort will conclude its Summer Concert Series with a performance from Lord Huron and Lucius. The show starts at 7 p.m., and general admission tickets are on sale now for $55. Tickets for kids aged 5 and under are free.
Friday, Aug. 14
This annual free concert celebrating Doc Watson’s life and legacy starts at 5 p.m. on the lawn of Jones House Cultural Center. The featured artists played with the late folk musician or are heavily inspired by his work, and the concert will feature traditional old-time and bluegrass music.
