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Regional Happenings

Home page photo: Wildcat Lake; Above: Avery County Heritage Festival; Banner Elk Thursday Concerts, photo by Mark File

Summer ’25 Regional Happenings

Compiled by Karen Rieley

There is much to celebrate and enjoy this summer in the High Country! After enduring a tumultuous autumn, our communities have regrouped and are eager and ready to welcome residents and visitors to play, experience and appreciate all that the area has to offer. The following is a sampling of countless activities related to art, food, music, literature, nature, history, outdoor sports, and so much more happening throughout the summer and beyond. For additional “Happenings” in the CML region, see our Cultural Calendar, Where the Music Is, Art Remarks, Trail Reports and Tidbits.

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Boone Bigfoots Baseball | Through August 2 in Boone, NC

The High Country’s baseball “home team” continues its fifth season of family fun and winning Bigfoots tradition! The Boone Bigfoots team practice and play home games at Appalachian State University’s Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium in Boone. All Sunday games are at 4:30 p.m. and all other games are at 6:30 p.m., subject to change. The All-Star event will be held July 6-7 with Playoffs on August 3-11. The Bigfoots are a 501(c3) non-profit Independent baseball organization with a mission to provide competitive baseball and fun fan entertainment for all the High Country to enjoy—all profits generated go to the Appalachian State University Athletic Scholarship Fund. Find a complete Boone Bigfoots Home Game schedule at bigfootsbaseball.com and on their Facebook page.

Wildcat Lake | Through September 1 in Banner Elk, NC

Owned and operated by Lees-McRae College, Wildcat Lake is a premier attraction in Banner Elk. The 13-acre lake features a white sand beach with a swimming area and a dock for fishing (fishing license required) and wildlife observation. In addition, there are four rental shelters with grills (reservations required), perfect for family gatherings or summer parties. Nearby are a volleyball court, playground sets, and public restrooms. Outdoor equipment is available for rent through Wildcat Lake Rentals, an experiential learning endeavor run by students in the Lees-McRae Outdoor Recreation Management program who also provide professional lifeguards on duty seven days a week throughout the summer. People may bring their own canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, or rent them on site (lifeguards required). The lake will be open for swimming and non-motorized watercraft use 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1–6 p.m. on Sunday, through Labor Day. lmc.edu/community/wildcat-lake.htm

Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage | Through September 7 in Blowing Rock, NC

Presented by The Blowing Rock Historical Society, this year’s Artists in Residence series at Edgewood Cottage runs for 15 weeks this summer with two artists each week. During the program the cottage becomes home to 30 artists representing a variety of outstanding, original two and three-dimensional pieces. Visit Edgewood Cottage daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day week. artistsatedgewood.org/2025-artists-schedule

Banner House Museum Tours | Through September in Banner Elk, NC

The Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation offers weekly guided tours of the Banner House Museum, Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., with guided museum tours offered 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and a “listening hour” to record oral histories from 2 – 3 p.m. The last tour begins at 2:30. Experience 19th century life in Banner Elk and the High Country in the home of Samuel Henry Banner, one of Banner Elk’s early settlers, and his wife, Jane Hyder Banner, and their seven children. The circa 1870 house has been furnished with period heirlooms donated and loaned by area residents to tell the story of Banner Elk life from the 1870s to the 1900s. Additionally, an Exhibition Room highlights local history. More information can be found at bannerhousemuseum.org.

Beech Mountain Bike Park | Through September 28 in Beech Mountain, NC

From early June until late September, ski slopes become downhill mountain biking trails at Beech Mountain Resort. The Beech Mountain Bike Park provides chairlift service to the top of the 5,506 peak, allowing riders to choose from a variety of trails back down to the resort village. Ten trails range from easy to expert only. Riders may bring their own bike or rent one in the resort village, but all riders must purchase chairlift passes to ride to the top. One-time use and all-day passes are available. Mountain biking lessons are also available. Hours and days of operation can vary but are typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday in August, and Friday through Sunday in September. Above photo courtesy of Beech Mountain Resort | beechmountainresort.com

Hickory Ridge Living History Museum Tours | Through mid-November in Boone, NC

Discover the unique history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains at Hickory Ridge Museum in Boone, NC. From traditional crafts to historic cabins, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of this stunning region. Focused on the period of 1785 – 1805, the museum provides insight into the self-sufficiency of our forefathers by highlighting the skills they possessed, such as hearth side cooking, spinning, candle making, and blacksmithing. The museum is open for guided tours, Tuesdays through Fridays, at 10 a.m., with the last tour time at 3 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. On Saturdays the museum is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with special hosted events scheduled for the weekend of July 5-6.

During the Horn in the West season, the museum is open from 5-7:30 p.m. for self-guided tours. Volunteers are in each cabin demonstrating a skill or lifestyle and are available for questions, photos and more. For more information about the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and their summer events, visit horninthewest.com.

Avery County Heritage Festival | June 28 in Newland, NC

Hosted by the Avery County Historical Society, the Avery County Heritage Festival celebrates this unique area in the High Country and its fascinating history. You’ll find craftspeople, genealogists, authors, performers and plenty of fun in the Newland town square in downtown Newland (Schultz Circle). Share family genealogy and cultural traditions that are part of Avery County’s identity. The Heritage Festival is free, and the event includes craft and food vendors, and a full lineup of musicians and cloggers. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday the 28th. averycountymuseum.org/heritage-festival/ | Photo courtesy of Avery County Genealogy Society

Mayland Earth to Sky Park Summer Shows | July through September in Burnsville, NC

Mayland Earth to Sky Park, operated by Mayland Community College, is situated ten miles northeast of Burnsville, NC, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The six-acre site, surrounded by mountain terrain and the Pisgah National Forest, is home to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, the Glenn & Carol Arthur Planetarium, a Visitor’s Center, picnic shelter, numerous gardens, and more. The Observatory houses the 34-inch “Sam Scope,” the largest telescope in North Carolina open to public use. Community Viewing Nights and private rentals are available year-round.

At the Glenn & Carol Arthur Planetarium, enjoy new summer hours with popular shows, including Flight of the Butterflies, Habitat Earth, James Webb Space Telescope: The Story Unfolds, Unveiling the Invisible Universe, Expedition Reef, and Milky Way Over the Mountains. Visit mayland.edu/esp to view a complete Summer Events calendar or go to their FB page@ EarthToSkyPark.

You Pick Flowers at Springhouse Farm | July 3 through August 30 in Vilas, NC

Springhouse Farm welcomes you to tour their beautiful flower fields, cut your own farm fresh flowers, and make a bouquet to take home every Thursday, 12 – 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., throughout July and August. The land is flat and accessible, but appropriate shoes, careful attention to walking and caution for those with bee allergies are encouraged. This is a great event to share with your family, including children, friends, a significant other, or just come solo and enjoy the quiet. springhousefarm.net

Independence Day Celebrations | July 4 throughout the High Country

Parades, kids’ activities, fun runs, food, beverages, live music and fireworks celebrate the 4^th of July in numerous High Country communities—Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Elk Park, Boone, West Jefferson, Blowing Rock, Newland, Crossnore, North Wilkesboro, Damascus, VA, Carter County and Johnson County, TN, and many other locales in our region. Festivities occur throughout the week and weekend, depending on where you decide to celebrate. Check out: bannerelk.com, bannerelk.org, beechmountainresort.com, skisugar.com, blowingrock.com/july4th/, exploreboone.com, facebook.com/thetownofnewland, ashechamber.com, visitdamascus.org, tourcartercounty.com, johnsoncountytn.gov/calendar-of-events, and highcountryhost.com. Additional links to our area’s Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Development Authorities can be found on our website at cmlmagazine.online.

Summit Crawl | July 4 in Sugar Mountain, NC

Sugar Mountain Resort’s 9th annual Summit Crawl is a fun and competitive event where you’ll climb via foot to Sugar’s 5,300’ peak as fast as you can by way of Easy Street, Gunther’s Way, and Northridge slopes. Entry fee includes a T-shirt and downhill transportation via the Summit Express. Register in-person M-F from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Tuesday, July 1, or online anytime until 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 1 (no same day registration). The competition begins at 9 a.m. Food and beverages are available, and Classic Highway performs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. skisugar.com/crawl

Bike Park & Scenic Chairlift Rides | July 4 through September 1 in Sugar Mountain, NC

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus Labor Day, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., the bike park is open and chairlift rides aboard the Summit Express shuttles bikers and foot-passengers to the mountain’s peak and the Easy Street lift services beginner-level gravity skills trails for bikers only.

Sugar Mountain’s Teen and Tween Gravity Mountain Bike Camp will be held July 11-13 and August 1-3 for ages 11-26. skisugar.com/bikepark#gravity

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

The Christmas In July Festival celebrates the Christmas tree industry and mountain heritage with handmade arts and crafts, traditional mountain music, food and family fun in the heart of downtown West Jefferson, NC. Ashe County’s longest-running festival will open with entertainment and the ever-popular food vendors followed by a special fireworks presentation at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 5, the Ashe County Farmers Market will open at 8 a.m., offering a variety of handmade items, fresh produce, and baked goods. Then at 9 a.m., the festival craft vendors and local non-profits will open along Jefferson Avenue, and Those 3 Guys will start the day with a melody of popular tunes sure to get you swaying to the music. Ashe County Arts Council will host children’s activities, performers will be roving the streets showcasing their magical talents, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive straight from the North Pole. christmasinjulyfestival.com.

Saturdays in SpARTa | July 5, July 19, and August 2 in Sparta, NC

Saturdays in SpARTa is a series of outdoor concerts held in downtown Sparta every summer, featuring both traditional and non-traditional bands. These events are free, fun and family-friendly. Bring your chair, your dancing shoes and your smile and join the community!

Music on Main Summer Street Party, organized by the Alleghany Arts Council, takes place on the first Saturday night in July and August, from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor headliner concert kicks off at 7 p.m. Each month’s event features a different band: 8 Track Minds in July and Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band in August. During each Music on Main event, organizers coordinate with town merchants to keep the galleries open late.

On July 19, 1-3 p.m., Saturdays in the Park presents The Tree of Forgiveness Band following Sparta’s farmers market. Bring a blanket, picnic basket and turn on relaxation mode! alleghanyartscouncil.org

Art on the Greene | July 5-6, August 2-3, August 30-31 in Banner Elk, NC

The area in front of the Historic Banner Elk School comes to life with Art on the Greene, featuring quality, hand-made arts and crafts from select local and regional artisans. The shows occur Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend, an early August weekend and Labor Day weekend and are filled with fine art from local and regional artists representing a variety of media, such as ceramics, glass, metal, wood, watercolor, acrylics and oil. Over 60 juried artists display their work at each event. There is no admission fee for shoppers, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festivities typically include food vendors and other entertainment in the heart of the village of Banner Elk, which allows patrons to make a day of it by visiting shops and boutiques in town and selecting from an impressive list of restaurants. Proceeds from the shows are used for restoration of the historic school, built in 1939.

If you’re in town for a long weekend, don’t miss the Thursday evening Summer Concerts in the Park from June 26 through August 14, 6:30 p.m., at Tate-Evans Town Park Amphitheater, sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. Town of Banner Elk, bannerelk.com, bannerelk.org/concerts-in-the-park

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

High in the Mountains of Western North Carolina the ancient Celtic spirit beckons. Answering the call, as hundreds of tartan banners unfurl, are the sounds of bagpipes echoing through the valley, and once again, thousands of kilt-clad Scots make their way to MacRae Meadows for their annual gathering and games. Nowhere in the New World is there a place more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than the home of America’s grandest Highland Games—Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. Enjoy Scottish music, dancing, foods, costumes, parades, track & field games, sheep herding and much more. For tickets, detailed schedules, maps and information on lodging, parking and shuttle buses, visit the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games website at gmhg.org. Read our feature article about the Games on the pages following Regional Happenings.

Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest | July 11 in Boone, NC

MusicFest is traditionally an all-day, family-oriented event celebrating the music and lives of Doc and Rosa Lee Watson that is held on the grounds of the Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove, NC. However, due to extensive damage to the Cove Creek community from Hurricane Helene, this year’s festival will be held in Boone. MusicFest has partnered with The Appalachian Theatre to bring the legacy of Doc & Rosa Lee Watson back to the High Country for the event’s 24th year. This year’s special fundraising show is presented by Cove Creek Preservation & Development; the modified festival begins at 7 p.m. and features Charles Welch, Scythian, and The Kruger Brothers. All proceeds will directly support Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest and its future festivals. Find more information and tickets at docwatsonmusicfest.org, and at facebook.com/DocWatsonMusicFest/.

Annual Fairy Day in the Gardens | July 12 in Boone, NC

Enjoy an enchanting afternoon in the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, 1-5 p.m., with vendors, food and fairies! Fun, educational activities for kids, plus music and dance, are sure to provide a magical experience for all. Admission is free for children and adults dressed in mythical attire, $3 for non-costumed adults. Admission proceeds and a portion of vendor proceeds benefit the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, a nonprofit garden which highlights the importance of native plants. The gardens are located at 651 Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Stop by after a trip to the nearby Watauga County Farmers’ Market.

Art in the Park | July 12 through October 4 in Blowing Rock, NC

Enjoy fine art and handcrafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Artists are jury-selected, and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional pieces like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock. Attendees can enjoy proximity to other shopping, as well as dining options and local parks. Remaining Saturday dates include July 12, August 16, September 6 and October 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Make a weekend of it and stay for the free outdoor Concert in the Park (at Memorial Park) that follows Art in the Park on select Sundays, including July 13 and August 17, 1-3 p.m. This year’s concert series includes a food drive for the Hunger and Health Coalition’s A Simple Gesture Program. Show your support with a donation of canned and other nonperishable food items at the Alair tent. Lemonade for Change will also be selling lemonade during the concert and 100% of their proceeds go to end homelessness in Watauga County. blowingrock.com/artinthepark/

Symphony by the Lake at Chetola | July 25 in Blowing Rock, NC

The Symphony by the Lake at Chetola has long been considered the “centerpiece” of the summer season in Blowing Rock. Set against the stunning backdrop of Chetola Resort & Spa, this annual event, hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, combines music, community, and mountain charm for an unforgettable summer evening. Each year, over 3,000 attendees assemble on the surrounding lawn to enjoy music, food and drink under the open sky. This year’s event will be held on July 25, and the theme will be “Celtic Celebration.” Returning is The Symphony of the Mountains, with special guests Bristol Lightning. Opening music by The Jakeb Hardin Quartet begins at 5:30 p.m. with the featured event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at symphonybythelake.com.

Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention | July 25-26 in Jefferson, NC

Held at Ashe County Park, the 54^th annual Fiddlers Convention will be filled with individual instrumental and band competitions, a Friday evening concert, great food, and good times for musicians and audience members alike. Any proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention are used to support the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program or JAM. JAM provides instruction at the Ashe Civic Center in fiddle, banjo and guitar for students in grades 3-8. ashefiddlersconvention.org/fiddlers-fest/

Brushy Mountain Peach and Heritage Festival | July 26 in Wilkesboro, NC

Located in historic downtown Wilkesboro, Brushy Mountain Peach Festival is a Street Festival centered around peaches and Wilkesboro’s Brushy Mountain heritage. Enjoy locally grown peaches, hand-made crafts, demonstrations and delicious foods from a variety of food trucks. This free festival runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Join organizers for some pre-Festival fun at the “Peach Party” on Friday, July 25, from 5 – 9 p.m. All are invited to grab a bite and a cold drink from the food trucks and enjoy live music.The Brushy Mountain Peach and Heritage Festival is always the last Saturday in July. brushypeachfest.com

Hellbender Rugby Club Hosts Inaugural Summer Sevens Tournament | August 2 in Valle Crucis, NC

Founded in 2024, Hellbender Rugby Club is Western North Carolina’s newest men’s rugby team, bringing high-energy, community-driven sport to the High Country. With players from Boone and surrounding areas, the club is committed to growing the game of rugby and fostering camaraderie both on and off the pitch. This summer, Hellbender Rugby is proud to host its inaugural Summer Sevens Tournament on Saturday, August 2 in Valle Crucis. The event will feature fast-paced 7-a-side rugby with teams from across the Southeast, as well as food vendors, drinks, music, and fun for the whole family. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Hellbender Rugby Club is actively recruiting new players of all experience levels. “Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or trying rugby for the first time, there’s a place for you on the squad.” The club will kick off its first official 15s season this fall. HellbenderRugbyClub.com/tournament

Helping Hands Concert | August 8 in Banner Elk, NC

Presented by Elk River Helping Hands with support from Lees-McRae College, the last concert of the special Helping Hands Concert Series features award-winning Gary Morris and nationally recognized Presley Barker. The performance starts at 7 p.m. in the college’s Hayes Auditorium. Ticket options include general admission, VIP and special VIP Reception tickets with an artist meet-and-greet at Elk River Country Club. Elk River Helping Hands is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting with the needs of people of the High Country who have experienced a devastating crisis. Through generous donations, Elk River Helping Hands has been able to respond quickly to requests for assistance in the aftermath of Helene. elkriverhelpinghands.org/events

41st Annual Crafts on the Green | August 9 in Beech Mountain, NC

This free festival features the work of local artists and artisans from the mountain region including fine jewelry, wood turnings, photography, paintings, pottery, soaps, candles, preserves and more. Crafts on the Green is held at Gazebo Park next to Fred’s General Mercantile from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy food, musical entertainment and a magic show for children. Additional local goods can be found throughout Fred’s General Mercantile, including fresh produce, jams and jellies, clothing, outdoor gear, and more. Fred’s Backside deli offers a great variety of lunch options and beverages. For more information, visit beechmtn.com/calendar/ or call 828-387-4838.

Long Journey Home | August 29-September 1 in Mountain City, TN

2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the historic 1925 Fiddlers’ Convention! Long Journey Home will celebrate this important centenary with the release of John McCutcheon’s 1925 Fiddler’s Convention Tribute Album. This album brings together Grammy-winning contemporary artists to perform the songs that started it all. The Long Journey Home weekend kicks off with Buskin’ on Main Street, a showcase of local and regional acoustic talent playing up and down Main Street on Friday evening. On Saturday, join a musical heritage tour, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with performances at heritage sites and live music played on front porches throughout the county. John McCutcheon will perform a concert at Heritage Hall at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. The weekend will close, as always with a Traditional Sunday Singin’, 2 – 4:30 p.m., at Heritage Hall. All events except the John McCutcheon concert are free to the public. To learn more, visit longjourneyhome.net.

New River Blues Festival | August 31 in Grassy Creek, NC

The 23^rd annual New River Blues Festival is “keeping the Blues alive in the High Country!” Join other blues lovers in the meadow by the beautiful New River where you’ll find ample grounds for dancing, fun, and wading in the water. Enjoy the North Carolina mountains’ only celebration of authentic Blues Music and legendary artists, including event producers The King Bees. Gates open at noon with music from 1-6 p.m. Located at River House Inn, 1896 Old Field Creek Road, Grassy Creek.For online tickets and more information, visit newriverbluesfestival.info.

Carolina Mountains Literary Festival | September 6 in Burnsville, NC

For 16 years, the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival has brought writers and readers together in lovely Burnsville, NC. The 2025 event welcomes Keynote Speaker and Author Margaret Renkl, author of The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year (2023), which won the 2024 Southern Book Prize. This ticketed Keynote event raises funds for future Festivals, and to help carry out its mission “to foster community by supporting and celebrating literacy and the love of literature in the Southern Appalachians.” Numerous readings and workshops are spread out around downtown Burnsville during the event. Learn more about this year’s festival and how you can support its mission at https://cmlitfest.net.

Antlers and Acorns | September 10-13 in Boone, NC

Antlers & Acorns, The Boone Songwriters Festival brings together “the wordsmiths, the weavers of chords and sharps and flats, the storytellers, the prophets, and the liars.” The town itself is the venue; the bars and restaurants, cafes and theatre the stage. Fans of words and music will walk the streets from one welcoming door to the next to hear their favorite singer/songwriter tell the stories of their songs, where they came from, where they went. It’s “an intimate encounter, a weekend in the mountains, a walk in the woods,” according to festival organizers. Antlers & Acorns kicks off on Wednesday, September 10 with a Welcome Party at Booneshine Brewing Co.; on Thursday at the Appalachian Theatre, enjoy matinee and evening performances. On Friday and Saturday, six great downtown restaurant venues present “Songwriters In the Wild.” antlersandacornslodge.com

Merriweather’s Welcome Back Tour 2025 | September 13 in Charlotte, Raleigh, Johnson City, TN, and Spartanburg, SC

For anyone who loves our local Woolly Worm Festival that takes place each fall in Banner Elk, you can now experience some of that magic in your hometown!

Festival organizers have created several “off the mountain” events to share the news of Merriweather’s triumphant return to Banner Elk this fall. Where has Merriweather been, you ask? Due to Hurricane Helene, our favorite caterpillar was ‘gone with the wind,’ and last year’s Woolly Worm Festival could not take place. The woolly worms and their fans can reunite this summer through these “Together Again, Stronger Than Ever” events in four select cities.

At each location, families can participate in physical scavenger hunts with timed clues through social media, pick up some pre-release festival merchandise, and enjoy live entertainment and hospitality. Win cash prizes and a VIP package to attend the Woolly Worm Festival in October, where you can race for a championship trophy! Follow @woollywormfestivalnc on Facebook and Instagram, and buy tickets to the Woolly Worm Festival (October 18-19) at woollyworm.com.

On the Same Page: Ashe County’s Literary Festival | September 16-19 in West Jefferson, NC  

Enjoy a celebration of reading and writing! Authors will read from recent works and answer your questions about books and writing, and attendees can participate in a lively discussion of the “Festival Read” selection. Meet fellow readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, hone your creative writing skills in author-led workshops, and much more. All Festival events are open to the public; most are free, although some require reservations and/or tickets due to limited seating. Check out the website for author information and the complete schedule for 2025. ashecountyarts.org/on-the-same-page-literary-festival/

Liberty Mountain | September 19 through October 12 in Kings Mountain, NC

Liberty Mountain, a dramatic, live-performance theatre event by playwright Robert Inman, captures the emotional impact and significance of the Battle of Kings Mountain that took place on October 7, 1780, helping put a stop to the momentum of Britain’s lightning-paced ‘Southern Strategy.’ The hardy pioneers who tamed and settled this area fought and won this crucial battle that turned the tide of the Revolution and led directly to the British surrender at Yorktown a year later. Performances are presented on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; performance times are Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets—including group discounts—are available through the Liberty Mountain website, libertymountaindrama.com or by calling the Kings Mountain Little Theatre at 704-730-9408.

West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair | September 19-20 in West Jefferson, NC

West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair Celebrates Old Town history and heritage, featuring booths from locals and the region alike. Stroll the charming streets of historic West Jefferson and search for treasures galore. Hours are Friday, September 19, from 1 p.m. to dark, and Saturday, September 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free, and food options are available for purchase. wjeffersonantiquesfair.com

And Save the Date for These Fall Festivals:

Blue Ridge Mountain Heritage Festival | September 20 in Sparta, NC

Enjoy demonstrations, crafts, food, dance and music, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This festival has celebrated our rich mountain heritage for three decades with local and regional handmade arts and crafts, delicious food, and music and dance performances showcasing our community’s diversity. alleghanycountychamber.com/events/blueridgemountainheritagefestival

Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival | September 27 in Boone, NC

This family-friendly free event at Horn in the West/Hickory Ridge Living History Museum offers activities and experiences for all ages, including apple butter making, 18th century demonstrations, maker and food vendors, live music and storytelling, hatchet throwing, pumpkin painting, kids’ and pets’ costume contests, raffles and more! Located at 591 Horn in the West Drive Boone, NC. horninthewest.com

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival | October 4 in North Wilkesboro, NC

Pay tribute to the apples that are grown and harvested each fall by orchardists from northwestern NC at the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the region. applefestival.net

Mountain Glory Festival | October 11 in Marion, NC

Each year, the Mountain Glory Festival brings the streets of Marion to life with live music, handcrafted artwork, delicious food, and family fun. From local bluegrass performances to kids’ zones and Appalachian craft demos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For festival information call 828-652-2215 or visit mtngloryfestival.com.

Oktoberfest | October 11-12 in Sugar Mountain, NC

Enjoy Sugar Mountain’s two-day Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., featuring live Bavarian music by the Harbour Towne Fest band. Feast on German and American food and beverages, and bring the kids to enjoy a children’s fun center and hay rides. Local and regional craft-vendors show their wares. Take a scenic ride aboard the Summit Express chairlift to the mountain’s peak. Oktoberfest.skisugar.com

Valle Country Fair | October 18 in Valle Crucis, NC

Food, crafts, mountain music and family fun abound at the Valle Country Fair, just up and over the mountain from the Woolly Worm Festival in charming Valle Crucis. vallecountryfair.org

48^th Annual Woolly Worm Festival | October 18-19 in Banner Elk, NC

Make plans now to attend this wildly popular annual event in downtown Banner Elk, NC, with woolly worm races, craft and food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and so much more. It’s the only festival where you can race caterpillars for cash prizes. woollyworm.com

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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 tamara@NCexplorers.com.

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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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