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Regional Happenings

Home page photo: Hike On Month at Beech Mountain; Above: Merlefest in Wilkesboro, photo by Rachel Pepper; Concerts on the Lawn, Top of the Beech Inn, Beech Mountain

Spring ’25 Regional Happenings

By CML Staff

Spring has sprung! Celebrate the season with a huge variety of events and activities related to art, food, beverages, health, music, agriculture, sports, plants, wildlife, astronomy and more! Following is just a sampling of opportunities in store for residents and visitors to our area.

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April

Easter Egg Hunts | April 17 & 19 in Boone and Beech Mountain

Several High Country towns are sponsoring Easter egg hunts and other activities for the kids in our communities. On Thursday, April 17, gather for the“Easter EGGstravaganza,” beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Watauga County Parks & Recreation in Boone. Ages 0 -12 are welcome to enjoy the egg hunt, crafts with the “Horn in the West” cast, storytime, and face painting! Visit exploreboone.com for more information. On Saturday, April 19, head over to Beech Mountain’s Buckeye Recreation Center from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for their “Hoppy Easter Party,” which includes an Easter egg hunt, Easter crafts, and games. townofbeechmountain.com

Earth to Elkin | Earth Day, April 19 in Elkin, NC

On the third Saturday in April, special Earth Day events take place throughout the region, including in Elkin, NC. “Earth to Elkin” is a celebration of the town’s natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. This Earth Day event invites you to “immerse yourself in hands-on activities that foster community engagement and environmental stewardship.” Activities take place from 3-8 p.m., with live music, naturalist challenges, and an “Earth Rally” with a variety of exhibitors. Head to the Big Stage at the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center for a world of fun this Earth Day. Find more information at exploreelkin.com/earthtoelkin.

Mayland Earth to Sky Park | April through June in Burnsville, NC

In addition to ongoing community stargazing opportunities at Bare Dark Sky Observatory, Mayland Community College’s Earth to Sky Park hosts a variety of educational and fun events for the whole family. From laser light shows, to special visual presentations, there’s something for everyone this spring. Their newest show, “Sounds of the Ocean,” is an award-winning immersive experience to guide you on a mindful underwater odyssey. Families will also enjoy showings of “James Webb Space Telescope: The Story Unfolds,” where you’ll discover the furthermost reaches of the universe as revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever built. Also showing is “Mesmerica,” a visual music journey that brings the mesmerizing music of GRAMMY-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood together with visually-hypnotic, 3D animated art curated from artists around the world, creating an immersive experience designed to transcend time, relax, soothe, and stimulate your mind and senses. https://www.mayland.edu/foundation/foundation-projects/earth-to-sky-park/

Merlefest | April 24-27 in Wilkesboro, NC

Taking place on the campus of Wilkes Community College (WCC), and presented by Window World, this annual celebration of founding legend Doc Watson will play host to both legendary names, like Bonnie Raitt and the Avett Brothers, and exciting up and comers, including fast-rising honky-tonk starlet Emily Nenni, Colorado-rooted newgrass ensemble The Fretliners, blues-drenched guitar virtuoso Cristina Vane, and dozens of others. Making a surprise return in 2025, the Late Night Jam hosted bySam Bush promises an unforgettable super-set featuring “only at MerleFest” collaborations.

MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 12 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.

Find out more about the history of the event, the full lineup of artists, and other festival details, and access a ticket link at Merlefest.org.

Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival | April 26 in Spruce Pine, NC

Join blacksmiths and blacksmithing enthusiasts in downtown Spruce Pine on Saturday, April 26, for this annual festival celebrating the art of the blacksmith. The event is a partnership between Spruce Pine Main Street, Penland School of Craft, and the Toe River Arts. Participants will enjoy blacksmith demonstrations, blacksmith vendor booths, a youth and adult forge-off, a hands-on tent, great food and more.

Fire on the Mountain takes place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is free, located at Spruce Pine Main Street, 164 Locust Street Spruce Pine, NC. For a full schedule of events, visit discoversprucepinenc.com/fireonthemountain and on Facebook: FireOnTheMountainFestival.

May

Beech Mountain Happenings | May – June in the Town of Beech Mountain, and Beech Mountain Resort, NC

Visit Beech Mountain this spring and enjoy a full slate of activities and entertainment all season long. Celebrate “Hike On! Month” in May as you enjoy a vast network of hiking trails, with guided hikes from the Buckeye Rec Center throughout the month, and giveaways at the Visitor’s Center. During a spring trek, hikers can take in waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. On May 28 at the Buckeye Rec Center, take part in the Naturalist Rally, which will host experts to talk about everything from mushrooms to salamanders; hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (beechmtn.com/event/naturalist-rally/).

What else can you do at Beech Mountain? Canoe and fish at Buckeye Lake (the Annual “Kiddo Fishing Derby” for ages 12 and under takes place at Lake Coffey on June 7). Cycle the mountain on 51 miles of road cycling routes; mountain bike on 12 trails with over 18 miles of biking terrain. Fly a kite and share a picnic in the Beech Mountain Kite Field. Pig out on pizza and play mini golf at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria’s Family Fun Nights, every Friday night from June through mid-August. Family Fun Nights include live music (5:30 – 8:45 pm), a bounce house (4:00-7:30 pm) and outdoor movies (8:45 pm). Shop at the weekly Beech Mountain Farmers’ Market on the first Friday of each month, beginning June 6. Visit the one and only Fred’s General Mercantile and peruse the store’s vast selection of goods and gifts for everyone. Go birding at one of the many great wildlife viewing areas, or get active at the Buckeye Recreation Center, where you can play basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball and more; and participate in Mile High Yoga at Beech Mountain Resort beginning June 7.

Enjoy plenty of opportunities to see live music, beginning Memorial Day weekend. Concerts on the Lawn will be held Sunday evenings from 5-8 p.m., featuring live jazz, big band, blues, beach, folk, classic rock, and soul performances. This free outdoor concert series takes place on the lawn behind Top of the Beech Inn (606 Beech Mountain Parkway) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Live Music at 5,506′ begins on June 7, and the Resort’s Summer Concert Series, one of the largest music events in the area, also kicks off in early June. Visit beechmountainresort.com and beechmtn.com for more information on each of these activities. Visit the Beech Mountain Visitor Center in person at 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day^® and Family Day | May 3 at Williams YMCA of Avery County, Linville

The Williams YMCA of Avery County will host Healthy Kids Day^® as part of their NEW Family Day at the YMCA on May 3 from 11 -2 pm. This event offers a variety of activities, vendors, and opportunities for families and youth of all ages. Healthy Kids Day^® focuses on active play, nutrition education, STEM activities, arts, and more. By combining it with Family Day at the YMCA, attendees can enjoy everything the YMCA has to offer, including membership promotions, free swimming, group exercise classes, and scheduled activities in the Blackburn Athletic Facility.

Other activities include: an open house for the community, a roller skating rink for youth, a live DJ, food trucks, various vendors serving families and youth in Avery County, and much more! “We are continuing to partner with the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children to bring BLOCK Fest^® to Family Day. With both Healthy Kids Day^® and BLOCK Fest^®, there’s something for everyone at the Williams YMCA of Avery County. Special thanks to Beech Mountain Resort, Inc. for their generous support of this community event!” https://www.ymcaavery.com/

NC Fried Apple Pie Festival | May 3 in Sparta, NC

If you’re a fan of apples, fried pies, and assorted fun this is your festival! Head to Sparta this spring and celebrate the one and only “N.C. Fried Apple Pie Festival.” Celebrating its third year, the festival will be held rain or shine at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds. While primarily a food festival, you’ll enjoy dozens of juried craft vendors, and a variety of food and other vendors as part of this family-friendly festival. FB: NCFriedApplePieFestival/

Saved by a Salamander Day | May 17 in Grassy Creek, NC

On Saturday, May 17, from 1-8 p.m., the New River Conservancy, The Old Store at Grassy Creek, and many other partners will host a day of events that celebrate the significance of the New River, the small town of Grassy Creek, and the remarkable hellbender salamander. Conservation of the New River in Ashe County has a rich history, one that deserves to be remembered and commended.

The day’s events will highlight success stories, teach guests about conservation efforts, and inspire us all to enjoy the New River and its wonderful wildlife for years to come. From paddling outings, to workshops, to delicious food and beverages, to great music… the organizers have a full day planned. newriverconservancy.org, theoldstoregrassycreek.com

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival | May 17 in Elkin, NC

The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival is “a delightful celebration that combines the rich flavors of local wines, tantalizing culinary delights, captivating arts and crafts, and the enchanting rhythms of live music.”

This family-friendly event takes place at Elkin Municipal Park, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and spend the day relaxing on the lawn while sampling wine from approximately 20 Yadkin Valley wineries.

This year marks the 22^nd Yadkin Valley Wine Festival, designed to show off the award-winning wine produced in the Yadkin Valley AVA, draw visitors to the area, and encourage return visits to experience the wineries and tasting rooms in person. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and other activities throughout the day. YadkinValleyWineFestival.com

Spring Home Show | May 22 in Blowing Rock, NC

Returning to Blowing Rock again this year, the Second Annual Spring Home Show, presented by Peak Sanitation, will showcase the latest in residential home services, providing inspiration and resources for homeowners and home builders. Held at the Blowing Rock American Legion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Spring Home Show will feature a wide array of exhibitors, including local businesses and national brands, offering everything from interior design and landscaping to home improvement and living solutions. Attendees will interact with industry experts and explore innovative products and ideas to enhance their living spaces.

“We are excited to bring the Spring Home Show back to Blowing Rock,” said Cathy Barker, Vice President of Business Development for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “Last year’s event was a tremendous success, and we look forward to continuing this tradition and supporting our local community.” For more information, visit blowingrockncchamber.com.

Sugar Mountain Food Truck Festival | May 24 in Sugar Mountain, NC

Eat to your heart’s content from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at this popular foodie festival on Saturday, May 24 (Memorial Day weekend). In addition to great food, enjoy chair lift rides, the mountain bike park, yard games, live music, and more. The Lucky Strikes perform from 12 to 3 p.m. and Classic Highway performs from 4 to 7 p.m. Sample fare from a variety of popular food trucks. For a full list, visit skisugar.com/foodtruck/.

Visitors to Sugar Mountain Resort will enjoy chairlift rides for the entire Memorial Day weekend from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Rides aboard the Summit Express shuttle bikers and foot-passengers to the mountain’s peak, and the Easy Street lift services a beginner-level gravity skills trail for bikers only. After the special Memorial Day weekend, the bike park resumes Bike Park & Scenic Chairlift Rides during the July 4^th weekend. Visit skisugar.com/bikepark/ for specific days, hours and times.

Also part of the Memorial Day weekend festivities, Sugar Mountain’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ Live Music and Dinner Series begins on Memorial Day (May 26), and then every Wednesday, June-August, and on Labor Day, at Sugar Mountain’s Golf and Tennis Club House Deck. Wear your dancing shoes! Seating is also available inside and all events happen rain or shine (seesugar.com/summer-concerts/). Visit SeeSugar.com and Skisugar.com for all the spring happenings at Sugar Mountain!

 Art on the Greene | Beginning May 24-25 in Banner Elk, NC  

This series of spring and summer fine art shows take place on the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk. The first event kicks off Memorial Day weekend, with additional shows July 5-6 (Fourth of July weekend), August 2-3, and August 30-31 (Labor Day weekend). Art on the Greene highlights works from local and regional artists representing a variety of media, such as ceramics, glass, metal, wood, watercolor, acrylics and oil.

In addition to the art, crafts, food and fun on “the Greene,” you can enjoy the many shops and restaurants within walking distance of the festival. Download the new “Banner Elk Mile” walking map at BannerElk.com. And if you’re in town for a long weekend, don’t miss the Thursday evening free concerts in Tate-Evans Park, every Thursday beginning June 26 (through August 14) at 6:30 p.m., sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. https://townofbannerelk.org/art-on-the-greene/, bannerelk.com, bannerelk.org

June

The Coolest Corner Ashe Bash | June 7 in Jefferson, NC

The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce will again sponsor this completely free and family-friendly musical celebration on Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. for High Country residents and visitors to the region. This year’s concert will feature Scythian, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

The popular bash will be held at the Ashe County Government Complex, located above Bojangles in Jefferson (150 Government Circle). A variety of food vendors will be serving treats on site beginning at 5 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m. Shuttle service to the venue will be provided from parking lots at the former Lowes Foods shopping center on Mt. Jefferson Road, the Ashe County Civic Center, and Ashe Memorial Hospital. Guests are invited to bring a chair; no alcohol or pets allowed. ashechamber.com/ashe-bash.php

Apple Hill Farm Alpaca Shearing Day | June 7 in Banner Elk, NC

All are welcome, but reservations are required for this unique and popular event at Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk. “Our alpacas grow up to four inches of fiber every year, and must be shorn once a year!”

You’ll get a front row view of the whole process of shearing, fleece sorting, and more. Learn all about alpacas and llamas, and check out the store to see finished products, including yarn and socks made from the farm’s own alpacas. Tour guides will be on hand to answer questions about the process, products, and animals. “We will also be offering our regular public tours on Shearing Day, with viewing of the alpacas and shearing as part of your tour.” The farm is home to nine species of animals, including alpacas, llamas, goats, mini-cows, and more. On Shearing Day, your family can take a guided walking tour and learn about all the animals that live and play at Apple Hill Farm. Purchase your shearing day passes and learn more at applehillfarmnc.com.

High Country Jazz Festival 2025 | June 13-15 in Boone, NC

The Appalachian Theatre partners with Boone Sunrise Rotary & Appalachian State University’s Jazz Studies program to present the 4th Annual High Country Jazz Festival. The High Country Jazz Festival brings first-rate jazz experiences to Boone and Blowing Rock during this three-day event. Read our article in our print version to learn more about jazz in the High Country and this exceptional music festival. apptheatre.org/highcountryjazzfestival

Boonerang | June 19-22 in Boone, NC

Each year, Boonerang Music & Arts Festival celebrates Boone, NC, with a free downtown street festival. This community homecoming brings Boone-linked artists and fans together every third weekend in June “to Boonerang back to the place we love.”

The Boonerang free music and arts festival includes multiple concert stages throughout downtown Boone, primarily made up of artists with Boone connections—this year, more than 30 acts will participate! Other festival highlights include local food, craft beer and wine, an artist market, a vintage market, a kids’ zone (at the Watauga County Public Library), silent disco sessions, a dance lot, an international festival, and afterparties. Guests can also visit downtown galleries, shops, and restaurants. Find a full list of performances and a map of stages at boonerangfest.com. There, you can also get a feel for the festival by viewing the 2024 “Boonerang Wrap-up” video.

NC Rhododendron Festival | June 20-21 in Bakersville, NC

The NC Rhododendron Festival is in its 78^th year, drawing hundreds of visitors from all over the region. Bakersville, in Mitchell County, was hard hit by Helene, and the community has been busy rebuilding and recovering—they’re excited to welcome visitors back to town, and to this long-running festival! The event features the Rhododendron Festival Pageant, a Craft Fair, food vendors, children’s activities, and live music throughout the day, as well as a classic car show, and one of the largest square dance events in N.C.! ​On Friday and Saturday nights during the Festival, grab your partner and your friends for the Rhododendron Square Dance on Main Street in downtown Bakersville. Festival hours and details at ncrhododendronfestival.org.

Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival | June 21-22 in Roan Mountain, TN

The Roan Mountain Citizens Club presents their 78^th Rhododendron Festival at Roan Mountain State Park, located at the foot of Roan Mountain. The annual festival heralds in the blooming of the famous Catawba Rhododendron along the highlands of the Roan. You’ll find handmade crafts, food, and a variety of traditional music, plus demonstrations of old-time traditions. The world’s largest natural rhododendron gardens grow atop 6,000-ft Roan Mountain and the shrubs are in peak bloom during late June. You can also hike the Appalachian Trail as it runs along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. roanmountain.com/rhododendron-festival/

July

Sugar Mountain Summit Crawl | July 4 at Sugar Mountain Resort, NC

The Sugar Mountain Resort 9^th annual Summit Crawl is a fun and competitive event in which participants run, hike, climb, or crawl from the ski lodge to Sugar Mountain’s 5,300-foot peak by way of the grassy slopes. skisugar.com/crawl/

Independence Day Celebrations | July 4-6 throughout the Region

Parades, fireworks, kids’ activities, fun runs, food, beverages, live music and more! Find links to area Chambers of Commerce, TDAs and Visitor Centers at cmlmagazine.online. Be sure to pick up our Summer issue for more details!

Christmas in July | July 4-5 in Downtown West Jefferson, NC

This year’s Christmas in July event kicks off on July 4, marking the 37th year for the festival! A hometown street festival in the heart of downtown West Jefferson, Christmas in July features handmade arts and crafts, traditional mountain music, food and family fun. As Ashe County’s longest-running festival, it also celebrates the Christmas tree industry and our rich mountain heritage. A large stage in the middle of downtown West Jefferson is the hub for several excellent bands.  

On Saturday, July 5, the Ashe County Farmers Market opens early in the morning, offering a variety of handmade items, fresh produce, baked goods, and more. The Ashe County Arts Council hosts children’s activities, performers rove the streets showcasing their magical talents, and Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive straight from the North Pole. Music and storytelling continue throughout the day. For more information on the music lineup, food vendors, and updates on the festival, follow the festival organizers on Facebook: Christmas In July Festival or visit christmasinjulyfestival.com.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games | July 10-13 in Linville, NC

Join thousands of kilt-clad Scots who make their way to MacRae Meadows each year for this renowned gathering and games. You and your family can sample Scottish music, dancing, food, costumes, field games, sheep herding and much more. See our festival preview and 2025 music lineup in our print version, or visit gmhg.org.

Be sure to pick up the Summer issue of CML Magazine for a complete look at Regional Happenings taking place July through September, 2025.

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Find more happenings on our TIDBITS page>>

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Have an event for us to consider listing in a future issue of CML? Email your press release to CML’s Managing Editor at [email protected].

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Many other events will take place here in the High Country throughout the season. Some of the best resources for event listings and schedule changes are our local Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Development Associations. Be sure to visit the following websites before planning your visit to take advantage of all that our region has to offer.

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