5th Annual Leaf Festival in Cashiers

October 11-13  Cashiers Leaf Festival   Held each year as the leaves begin to change in this beautiful mountain village nestled at 3,487 feet in elevation, this free event has grown tremendously since its inception in 2009.  This year’s festival will offer approximately 100 artisans and merchants scattered throughout the Village Green and Commons park, located directly in the center of Cashiers adjacent to the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107.

Visitors will find unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and much more on display and available for purchase throughout the weekend. There will be plenty of food and drinks in both parking lots behind the two stages of the park, which will be filled with live music throughout the weekend.

Highlighting this year’s musical lineup is a special Friday night, Oct. 11 concert by Deja Vu, a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young tribute band based out of Athens, GA. Take a trip back to the psychedelic 1960s with an intimate evening under the tent with this amazing group, led by John Keane. Keane is a powerful musical force of his own, having shared the stage and/or produced records for the likes of Widespread Panic, REM and the Indigo Girls.

The Friday night concert will begin at 7:30 PM, and end at 10:15 PM. Gates open at 6:30 PM. This will be the only event of the weekend requiring a purchased ticket. There will be a full cash bar including a moonshine margarita bar and a culinary cafe. Concert ticket prices are $25 for general admission and VIP tickets for $65 per person, which includes valet parking, a reserved table, and a dinner voucher at the culinary cafe. Advanced ticket sale locations are at Bear Paw Design/Robins Nest and Midnight Farms. There will be a presale only for VIP tickets, as a limited number of tables are available. To purchase tickets online, visit www.dejavucashiers.eventbrite.com.  No pets, coolers or chairs will be allowed at this event.

Live music is scheduled from 12 to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday on two different stages. All of these shows are free and open to the public. Most of the performers are local and regional acts, ranging in genre from singer/songwriters, to jazz, blues, Americana, bluegrass, rock, soul, funk, and much more.

Sunday’s festival finale on the Village Commons stage features new regional band Soldier’s Heart with special guest Darren Nicholson of the WNC award-winning bluegrass band Balsam Range. Don’t miss this special one of a kind performance.

Get a link for the Cashiers Leaf Festival, local lodging and attractions on the Cashiers NC Guide. 

 

Folk School Festival with over 200 Artists

October 5-   John C Campbell Folk School Fall Festival   Celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachia at the 40th annual Folk School Fall Festival, featuring over 200 juried and non-juried craftspeople.

Handcrafted items for sale include jewelry, woodturning, pottery, weaving, ironwork, photography, rugs, woodcarvings, furniture, paintings, baskets, and much more. Live music and dance on two stages, great food, craft demonstrations, and kids' activities are just a few more reasons why the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival is one of the most popular events in the region.

40th Annual Fall Festival at the John C Campbell Folk School

October 5-6   John C Campbell Folk School Fall Festival   Celebrate the rich heritage of Appalachia at the 40th annual Folk School Fall Festival, featuring over 200 juried and non-juried craftspeople. Handcrafted items for sale include jewelry, woodturning, pottery, weaving, ironwork, photography, rugs, woodcarvings, furniture, paintings, baskets, and much more. 

Enjoy live music and dance on two stages, great food, craft demonstrations, and kids' activities - just a few more reasons why the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival is one of the most popular events in the region.

John C Campbell Folk School is located at 1 Folk School Road in Brasstown NC. For links to local visitor information visit the Hayesville NC Guide or the Murphy NC Guide.

Colorfest Brings a Dash of Paris to Dillsboro NC

October 5 2013   The charming mountain village of Dillsboro NC will have a dash of Paris this Saturday with artists stationed under colorful umbrellas and tents, creating their treasures during the fifth annual  Colorfest: Art and Taste of Appalachia festival.

Visitors attending this FREE festival are encouraged to stroll among painters as they capture hues of fall in the mountains and interact with crafters, authors, growers, chefs and musicians.

Among the featured artists are: Jane McClure of nearby Sylva who captures the essence of the mountains with paintings of barns, cabins, waterfalls and rustic scenes;  Susan Phillips of Hiawassee GA, a detail artist who paints primarily landscapes, and whose  work was recently honored by the Southern Appalachian Art Guild.

Other artists include: Nanci Leigh of Franklin, designer of intricate gemstone jewelry, and  David Ammons of Tuckasegee. Ammons is an expert chair caner who has mastered many forms of weaving over his 30-year career.

Local musicians and street entertainers add music to the festive atmosphere, while restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the day.

The festival kicks off at 10 AM. with the unveiling of a Dillsboro mural "On Hallowed Ground", painted by Dillsboro's own Doreyl Ammons Cain. The mural depicts the 1882 founding of Dillsboro. Chief Michel Hicks of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians will be on hand to present the mural, while Cain will share her mural story.

"This mura truly reflects the spirit of Appalachia, revealing its creativity and courage," Cain said.

Colorfest, Art & Taste of Appalachia is produced by the non-profit NC heritage organization Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, in partnership with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Visual Artists Association.

Funding for the program is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Jackson County Arts Council.

Festival hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. For festival info or lodging, call (800) 962-1911 or go to: www.MountainLovers.com.

For additional local information about events and attractions visit The Sylva NC Guide.

Saluda Arts Festival this Weekend

May 18 - The Saluda Art Festival - This year's festival includes nearly  90 artists and craftspeople, lively and award winning music, the children's art tent, several art and craft demonstrators and delicious food from our local restaurants.

A highlight of the Festival is the dedication to artist Johnny Waddill who graciously permitted the festival's organizers to use his painting to brand the Saluda Arts Festival. He died on March 1, 2013, and to honor Johnny Waddill's love for art, the Saluda Business Association is dedicating the 10^th Annual Saluda Arts Festival to his memory. There will be a special exhibit displaying his work during the festival at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St., Saluda, NC. The Saluda Center will also be open as a "comfort station" for festival goers. 

Entertainment Schedule

 (McCreery Park Pavilion) 

11am- Magician and TV personality, Jack Roper, will entertain the audience. 
11am - Spring Concert from the Dancer's Extension at Saluda School
Students from The Dancer's Extension will perform their Spring Concert.
12pm - Sol Driven Train - Children's Concert
1pm - Clay Ross Band, guitarist, vocalist, composer, and songwriter with Brazilian-style rhythms.
3pm - Sol Driven Train, versatile 5-piece band, based in Charleston, SC, features rotating lead vocalists, and multi-instrumental talent spread across horns, strings, and percussion.

Music for the Saluda Arts Festival is funded by the Polk County Community Foundation's Saluda Fund Grant. This grant is a major reason that the Saluda Arts Festival can bring high-caliber, talented musicians to the festival each year.

Demonstrations
Watch artists paint landscapes, forge metal, weave, make jewelry, and more. 

Children's Art Tent

Children will experiment and unlock their creativity at the "Children's Art Tent"--supervised instruction, face painting, and surprises. Located at the Shelter in McCreery Park.  

Food

Enjoy a variety of delicious choices from local restaurants and at the festival site. Saluda Grade Caf?, Jose's Wood Fired Pizza, and Thompson's Store & Ward's Grill will be serving food. 

Youth Performances  

The Dancer's Extension annual spring concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at 11AM.  The concert will take place at the Saluda School Auditorium and admission is FREE!  This is held in conjunction with the Saluda Arts Festival. Please park in the bus parking area behind the school. 

Parking

Parking is available along Main Street, at the Saluda School back parking lot, the Saluda Presbyterian Church on Carolina St., Saluda Methodist Church on Greenville St, the First Baptist Church on Henderson St., the west end public parking lot (across the bridge), and the Saluda Fire Department on Greenville St. Shuttle transportation will be available.

Mother's Day Weekend Event: Spring Festival in Waynesville

May 11   The Whole Bloomin' Thing Spring Festival   The 11th Annual Festival, is held in the Historic Frog Level. This is Haywood County's premier spring festival, kicking off the growing season with beautiful flowering baskets, vegetable and herb starts, berry bushes, and potted ornamental plants to jumpstart your garden.

Local artisans will offer a wide range of nature-inspired gifts and crafts- from baskets and birdhouses to soaps and stemware, pottery and jewelry to metal sculptures and flower planters, and dozens of other handmade creations.

Enjoy fresh cheese, homemade preserves and jellies, BBQ and burgers, veggie wraps, ice cream and desserts will be available all day long. Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day by local musicians and dancers. The events takes place from 9 AM - 4 PM.

Learn more about local lodging, restaurants and events on the Waynesville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Events: Foothills Holiday Arts and Crafts Show

November 17-18   Foothills Holiday Arts and Crafts Show   Find unique gifts during this year's pre-Thanksgiving arts and crafts show in Marion at the YMCA. The area's best talent will be showcased for two days including oil, pastel and watercolor paintings, drawings, wood and metal works, textile arts, jewelry and much more. Commercial vendors are not allowed at this event.

You'll find regional artists with unique points of view exhibited in their work. Vendors will be set up inside and outside the Corpening YMCA. Enjoy live regional music during the show. The Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League of Old Fort and the McDowell Arts Council have partnered to bring you this special event. Show Hours are Saturday, November 17th between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Sunday hours are 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Learn more about Marion events and attractions on the Marion NC Visitor Guide.

Need Marion Lodging for this weekend?

Mountain view cabin rental in gated community - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Open deck and covered porch, fireplace. Located in Grand View Peaks, Nebo - 15 minutes from downtown Marion and Lake James Park.  $125 - $150 night, $800 - $900 week.  Check rental availability

Maggie Valley Fall Arts and Crafts Show this Weekend

October 20 - 21  Maggie Valley Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Show  An annual seasonal show always popular with leaf peepers. Crafters from all over the southeast gather at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds to sell their unique wares. A wide selection of seasonal items, yard art, woodwork, paintings and much more. Chainsaw art demonstrations, raffle to benefit local charity and a variety of food.

Learn more about Maggie Valley lodging, events and attractions HERE.

Wooly Worm Festival this weekend in Banner Elk NC

October 20-21    Wooly Worm Festival   The 35th Annual Festival includes the infamous worm races along with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors and amusement rides. A family-oriented weekend and one of the most popular NC mountain annual events.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. The Festival is open Saturday 9 AM - 5PM and Sunday from 9 AM - 4 PM in beautiful downtown Banner Elk NC.

All proceeds benefits local community organizations including schools, children's programs and Avery county businesses and tourism activities.

Sourwood Festival this Weekend in Black Mountain

August 11 - 12    35th Annual Sourwood Festival  Great music and lots of fun for all ages fills downtown Black Mountain. Held each year in August, it's a time for good food, good fun and good friends. Music, dancing, arts and crafts, super food, kid's rides and games, face painting and more in a no alcohol environment - fun for the entire family.