Festivals
MerleFest / April 28-30 & May 1, 2011
Hosted by legendary guitar player Doc Watson, MerleFest is held annually as a tribute to his son and fellow musician, the late Eddy Merle Watson. Held at Wilkes Community in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the four-day event is the largest folk music festival in the United States. The “traditional plus” format brings together the best of bluegrass, contemporary acoustic, blues, folk, old-time, Cajun, and jazz. MerleFest participants have included such stars as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.
1.800.343.7857 / merlefest.org
An Appalachian Summer Festival / July 1-30, 2011
Regarded as one of the country’s leading regional arts festivals, An Appalachian Summer Festival is held each July on and around the Appalachian State University campus in Boone, North Carolina. For nearly a decade, the Southeast Tourism Society has named the family-oriented festival one of the “Top Twenty Events in the Southeast.” The multi- and inter-disciplinary festival incorporates music, theatre, dance, film and visual arts.
1.800.841.ARTS / www.appsummer.org
47th Annual Roasting of the Hog / July 2, 2011
On the Saturday closest to Independence Day, the Town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce host the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog. The family-centered event features food, musical entertainment, children’s activities and a nighttime fireworks display. Local firefighters cook the food, which backed by decades of perfecting the seasonings and charcoal blends, is said to result in the best barbeque in the High Country.
828.387.9283 / beechmountainchamber.com
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games / July 7-10, 2011
For 55 years, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans has been held each summer at MacRae Meadows on beautiful Grandfather Mountain, near Linville, North Carolina. Fostering and restoring interest in traditional Scottish activities, the event features games, athletic competitions, dancing, piping, drumming, sheep-herding and Celtic entertainment. Dressed in their distinctive tartans, more than a hundred clans participate in Raising the Clans and the Parade of Tartans. The event is always held on the second full weekend in July.
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove / July 8-9, 2011
Held on the site of the Doc Watson Museum at the Historic Cove Creek High School in Sugar Grove, North Carolina, the annual MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove celebrates the music of Doc Watson and friends. In addition to the traditional and bluegrass music in the main stage shows, MusicFest presents additional acts on a solar-powered stage, plus more players indoors. Other features include a songwriters’ showcase and instrument workshops led by festival performers. The event is usually held on the second Friday and Saturday in July.
828.297.2200 / www.covecreek.net
30th Annual Crafts on the Green / August 6, 2011
The Annual Crafts on the Green, held each year on the first Saturday in August, features scores of vendors from throughout the mountain region. The quality art and crafts to be displayed and sold include fine jewelry, wood turnings, photography, paintings, pottery and more. Crafts on the Green is held at Gazebo Park next to Fred’s General Mercantile on top of Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Food is available and there will be musical entertainment and a magic show for children.
828.387.4838 / beechmountainchamber.com
Mile-High Kite Festival on Beech Mountain / September 4, 2011
The Mile High Kite Festival, held each Labor Day weekend features vendors, music and contests for the best decorated, smallest and largest kites. Kite-flying demonstrations are given by the Richmond (Virginia) Air Force Kite Club and the Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society of Charlotte. The first 200 children receive free kites to decorate and fly. Visitors can buy kites at the event or bring their own. Clinics on building and decorating kites are held on Sunday, September 4.
828.387.9283 / beechmountainchamber.com
Bikes, Brews, and Views Festival Weekend/September 23-25
Beech Mountain Resort has been named host for the 2011 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships, Sept. 23-25 2011. The popular North Carolina High Country resort has also been awarded the 2012 championship, and is the first resort in the South to host the event. Activities will include bike expos, a kids village, live music, food, fireworks, and the Brews N Views Beer Festival.
On Saturday, September 24th Beech Mountain Resort will be hosting the inaugural Brews ‘n’ Views Beer Festival, a celebration of micro-brewed beer. Beer tasting will begin at 2:00pm and last until 6:00pm. During this time, enjoy live music and the view of the slopes from 4500 feet up. Prepare to taste some of North America’s finest breweries with the backdrop of fall on Beech Mountain. The event will be held in the same area as the Mountain Biking Gravity Nationals; So, get your gravity fix while watching professional bikers race down the slopes. Bring the kids for activities all day, and join us as we finish the night off with Pyrotechnico fireworks at dark. Advanced Tickets can be purchased for $20, CLICK HERE FOR ADVANCED TICKETS. Tickets will be $25 the day of the event. Pre-Sale ends September 23 at 12:00pm. Designated Driver tickets will be available for free.
Tweetsie Ghost Train™ Halloween Festival
Friday & Saturday nights October 1-30
There’s safe and scary Halloween fun for all ages at the Tweetsie Ghost Train™ Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad, located between Blowing Rock and Boone, North Carolina. The Halloween-themed attractions include the Haunted House, Freaky Forest and trick-or-treating. Advanced tickets are required for this annual event, held Friday and Saturday nights in October, and the event frequently sells out.
1.800.526.5740 / www.tweetsie.com/buy-tickets
Autumn at Oz / October 1-2, 2011
Walk the Yellow Brick Road and meet Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow, Wizard, Munchkins and Witches. Visit Auntie Em’s farm and hide from the tornado in the basement as the top of Beech magically becomes the fabled Land of Oz. There is fun, food, music, hay rides and memorabilia. The 7,000 tickets being sold this year are $16.50 in advance or $20 at the gate, with children 2 years and under admitted free.
1.800.468.5506 / beechmountainchamber.com
Woolly Worm Festival / October 15-16, 2011
The Woolly Worm Festival, held the third weekend in October, draws some 20,000 people, more than a hundred vendors, a thousand worm trainers, and national media to Banner Elk, North Carolina. The attraction is the woolly worm, which mountain lore credits with the ability to predict winter weather. It is believed that if the worm has more brown on its body than black, the winter will be mild; if more black than brown, the winter will be harsh. Wooly Worm followers claim 85 percent accuracy over the last two decades.
Choose and Cut Festival / November 26-December 24
Every year, visitors trek to the North Carolina High Country to choose the perfect Christmas tree from among the acres of beautiful Fraser firs growing on tree farms throughout the region. They buy fresh garlands, shop for ornaments and locally crafted holiday gifts and enjoy old-fashioned wintertime activities. Some farms offer hayrides, bonfires or petting zoos, or have craft shops and gift shops on the premises. Many tree-growers partner with inns, cabins and hotels to provide overnight packages. The Choose and Cut Festival is in full swing from the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
