The Oak Eidge Boys Concert in Boone

October 4   Oak Ridge Boys perform in Concert   at 7:30 PM at the Holmes Center on the ASU (Appalachian State University) campus.  Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry.

The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of the Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country and gospel hits. This concert benefits the Sugar Grove Developmental Day School.

Western North Carolina Celebrates American Craft Week

October 5-14   American Craft Week  is a celebration of the wonders of American craft and its contribution to the culture and economy of the country. Dozens of participants in Western North Carolina host special events from open studios to major gallery exhibits.

The celebration begins at 6 PM  October 5 with a presentation by Jan Davidson, Executive Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School, sharing thoughts on the role of craft in Western NC and the significance of celebrating American Craft Week in WNC. Get a complete list of participants and events on the website.

Leaf Season Rentals: Asheville Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals

CAROLINA MORNINGS in Asheville North Carolina -  Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals and Asheville Cabins (80). We offer an exceptional selection of the finest vacation home rentals in the Asheville NC area. Whether you choose to stay in a captivating Blue Ridge Mountain chalet, a Smoky Mountain log cabin, an elegant downtown loft or a luxury vacation villa located at the center of Historic Biltmore Village, you will be showered with free exclusive activities, personal attention, exceptional service and superior amenities.

These vacation rentals offer spectacular mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, WIFI (wireless Internet), pool tables, pet friendly rentals and more. FREE Mountain Discovery Pass for each day you stay!  Enjoy FREE ski lift tickets, golf, whitewater rafting, Asheville Trolley Tours, Lake Lure Cruise and more from Carolina Mornings. 

Find more Asheville vacation rentals and cabins on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Shamboozle Fest at Pisgah Brewing Company today in Black Mountain

September 29   2nd Annual Shamboozle Fest at Pisgah Brewing Company A music and food festival with four phenomenal live bands - including Gaelic Storm - food from some favorite local vendors, and plenty of activities for the whole family hosted by one of the area's favorite NC mountain breweries.

EVENT DETAILS
2:30pm – Early Entry for VIP’s
3:00 – General Admission Doors
3:00 – Sean Sutherland (on the Indoor Stage)
3:30 – 1st VIP Tour and Tasting (Gather in the taproom at the Indoor Stage)
4:00 – 2nd VIP Tour and Tasting
4:00 – 4:45 Kidney Stones (Outdoor Stage)
4:45 – 5:15 Members of Carbon Leaf and Gaelic Storm – Guest Bartenders!/ Sean Sutherland set (Indoor Stage)
5:00-5:30 – VIP Dinner Service in the Amphitheater
5:15 – 6:15 Josh Phillips Folk Festival (Outdoor Stage)
6:15 – 6:45 Members of Gaelic Storm – Guest Bartenders!/Sean Sutherland set (Indoor Stage)
6:45 – 8:00 Carbon Leaf (Outdoor Stage)
8:30 – 9:45 Gaelic Storm (Outdoor Stage)
10:00 – until – Sean Sutherland and guests (Indoor Stage)

VIP PACKAGE INFO
VIP’s will be granted Early Entry starting at 2:30pm. All VIP’s will park in VIP Parking in the Main Entrance off of Old Hwy 70. VIP Tours/Tastings will be at 3:30pm and 4:00pm.  VIP’s will meet at the Indoor Stage in the taproom for the Tours. VIP’s also have private viewing, private restrooms and private bar provided in the Amphitheater for the Outdoor Stage. VIP Dinner will be served from our friends of The Lowdown Food Truck! Service will be from 5-5:30pm in the Amphitheater

GENERAL INFO
General Admission tickets will be available at the gates for $25. Box office and bar at Pisgah Brewing are CASH ONLY! There is an ATM available on site. All General Admission patrons are preferred to enter/park in the main field entrance off of US Hwy 70, you can enter at the Appalachian Performance parking lot and drive in between the two buildings.

The Pisgah Brewing Company is located at 150 Eastside Drive in Black Mountain NC. Get a link for Pisgah Brewing Company and other Black Mountain attraction son the Black Mountain Visitor Guide.

Flock to the Rock this Weekend at Chimney Rock Park

September 29-30   Flock to the Rock  If you love birds and birding you need to head for Chimney Rock Park thsi weekend for  Western North Carolina’s premier fall migration birding event.   Birds flock to Chimney Rock Park,  an official site on the NC Birding Trail with 130-plus species spotted. Families, kids and couples will love the live Birds of Prey programs. All weekend, there will be free guided walks with expert area ornithologists, workshops and bird/nature photography, along with fun activities and bird-related vendors.

Attendees may be able to spot dozens of Broadwing hawks flying overhead to southern wintering grounds during this prime annual hawk migration time.

Get a link for Flock to the Rock and other events at Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Car Show in Maggie Valley begins today

September 28 - 30  Maggie Valley Swap Meet and Car Show    Swap Meet, Vendors, Sponsors, Car Show, Food, D.J. and Craft Show. Lots of fun for the entire Family. $5.00 for Adults and Kids under 12 FREE.
Come see all your favorites like sheet rods, classics, muscle cars, customs, pick-ups and antique cars. You can even see Popcorn Sutton's "Moonshine Runner" 31A Model.

This car event is held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds located in the heart of beautiful downtown Maggie Valley.  SHOW HOURS: Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM; Saturday,  8 AM - 6 PM; Sunday, 8 AM - 4 PM.  Get a link for details on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Limited Time Fontana Village Resort Groupon Special

  $145 for $279 Value
   Fontana Village Resort
300 Woods Dr., Fontana Dam NC
 
Groupon Deal limited time remains
Get details or Purchase this NC getaway deal
 

Two-night stay for up to four in a deluxe lodge room Travel window: September 18–October 31 or November 1–December 29. Book by October 31, 4 options available. Also includes Two two-day recreational passes, good for unlimited use of putt-putt golf, disk golf, and tennis equipment

Hunger Games Walking Tour this Saturday

September 29   Hunger Games Walking Tour   Explore DuPont State Recreational Forest with your Mentor to discover the locations used in some of "The Games" during The Hunger Games movie. Master fundamental survival skills like orienteering, camouflaging, and shelter building. Lunch will be provided in Hunger Games style. Tour includes activities, lunch, Dupont State Recreational Forest permit and guides/mentors.

Get a link for the Hunger Games Tour and other Brevard NC Events and attractions on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train begins this Weekend

September 28 - October 27   Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train   All aboard for the 23rd spooktacular season of Tweetsie Railroad's Ghost Train® Halloween Festival as the High Country's most popular Halloween celebration takes place every Friday and Saturday night through October 27.

Enjoy a variety of special frighteningly fun activities and spooktacular experiences including the Boneyard, 3-D maze, Black Hole, a stroll through the Freaky Forest and the spine-chilling Haunted House.

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, takes a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Even in today's high-tech world, there's still a place for old-fashioned fun. Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer and take a ride on historic steam locomotive, Number 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open daily April - October with special events offered.

Learn more about Tweetsie Railroad's Ghost Train and other NC Attractions on the NC Attractions Guide

Music and Wine this weekend at Biltmore

September 28-30   Music and Wine Weekend at Biltmore   Celebrate NC Wine month with festive, delicious, and fun events at Biltmore's Antler Village and Winery. Enjoy live music, grape stomps, and barrel tastings. This special event is included in your estate admission.

Live music this weekend at the Bandstand includes Red Hot Sugar Babies on Friday from 4:30 - 9:15 PM and on Saturday Stormy Weather Trio 12:00 PM–4:45 PM, Red Hot Sugar Babies 5:00 PM.–9:45 PM. Sunday from 1:15 - 6:15 PM the Bruce Lang Band performs.

Find more Biltmore information and events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

NOC Guest Appreciation Festival 2012

September 28 - 30     Guest Appreciation Festival 2012     NOC's ( Nantahala Outdoor Center) biggest annual event includes an exciting schedule of activities: complimentary boater shuttles,  The "Granddaddy of Gear Sales", free entertainment and live music, local vendors and lots of family-friendly fun.

 

Noc's Festival events includes a great line-up of live music, beer tastings with Nantahala Brewing Company, and fun hands-on activities throughout the day, as well as good-natured boating competitions in partnership with World Kayak. Families, don't miss Steve Longnecker's Live Raptor Show, featuring owls, falcons, and eagles from around the American southeast, and storytelling with Connie Regan-Blake.
Get a link for NOC Guest Appreciation Festival and other area events on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Beech Mountain Fall Hiking and Trails

photo by Amy Morrison

Beech Mountain may be best known for its ski slopes and the nickname "Ski Beech", but there is even more to this charming mountain town than winter sports and breath-taking views.

The town of Beech Mountain maintains more than 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails at elevations of  5,000+ feet in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. These trails range from easy to strenuous, providing opportunities for all ages and abilities to enjoy fall foliage up-close.
Beech Mountain provides a detailed hiking map for 22 miles of trails winding in and out of the town limits. A  separate map is available for eight-plus miles of new trails near the mountain's summit. Those trails are part of the Emerald Outback adventure trail park, which attracts a broad mix of hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners.

"All trails are town maintained and we've really focused on the trails and reworking a lot of spots that needed attention," said Fred Pfohl of the Beech Mountain recreation advisory committee. "There's a lot of breathtaking scenery all around as you hike. We have trails that are solely in the woods and others which follow ridges and afford great views."

The Beech Mountain local tourism office has put together hiking and biking packages this fall to make it easier to enjoy what's expected to be a vibrant autumn for color. There is a $159 package which provides two nights lodging for two people.  Packages also include hiking trail maps, biking maps, fitness center passes, mini-golf for two, and a wine tasting for two at Banner Elk Winery.  More information about packages is available by visiting the website or calling (800) 468-5506

"Our fall color season usually starts the last week of September and runs through about the third or fourth week of October," said Pfohl. "Deer and wild turkeys are plentiful, and bird watching is good, too. It's just a pretty time of year to be out of doors in the mountains."

All of the town's hiking and biking maps are available at the Beech Mountain Visitors Center located at 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway.

Find additional information about Beech mountain lodging and attractions on the Beech Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Antique Fair Today in West Jefferson

September 22   West Jefferson Antique Fair   Backstreet, Downtown West Jefferson will be filled with antiques, collectibles, beautiful furniture, advertising items, hand-made items, live entertainment and food vendors. Featured entertainers are the Southern Gospel Group The Bledsoes.

Get more information about local events and attractions on the West Jefferson NC Visitor Guide.

Chimney Rock Park hosts Dulcimer Workshop

September 22    Hammered Dulcimer Workshop at Chimney Rock Park   Learn to play the “only American instrument” using traditional strumming and flat-picking techniques in a fun and relaxed environment. John Mason, acclaimed hammered dulcimer artist who has toured the Southeast for 30 years and been the Park’s featured musician, will teach you all about this traditional folk instrument.

John guarantees you’ll be able to play at least one full song by the end of the workshop. It’s a great family-friendly activity for beginners and intermediates. A limited number of instruments are available.k for the Dulcimer

Get a link for the dulcimer workshop and other Chimney Rock Park events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

French Broad Fall Fest in Hot Springs this Weekend

September 22   French Broad Fall Fest   A celebration of craft brewing in Hot Springs where the French Broad River meets the Appalachian Trail. The event features 12+ area breweries and live music includes Todd Snider, Shannon Whitworth and more.

$75 ticket price includes a 5oz. commemorative souvenir sampling glass, unlimited beer samplings from noon - 10 PM in the Brew Tent, camping, nearly 12 hours of music and a beautiful venue. $60 ticket for music and camping only (no beer sampling). Limited Tickets available starting 7/1/12 from the website.

Learn more about the French Broad Fall Fest and other Hot Springs events on the Hot Springs NC Visitor Guide.

NC Arboretum hosts Heritage Craft Day

September 22   Carolina Craft Day at the NC Arboretum   A day to celebrate Southern Appalachian traditions as they come alive at The North Carolina Arboretum. The event, now in its seventh year, features craft demonstrations and juried art and craft vendors and plant sales at the Arboretum's Education Center.

The North Carolina Arboretum  includes magnificent gardens and miles of woodland trails and continual special events and touring shows. Just as the experience of nature is intimate, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum connect with plants in personal ways that are as diverse and rich as the land itself. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind or hiking and biking, the Arboretum offers activities for all age. 

Get a link for Carolina Craft Day and the NC Arboretum on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Regional Mustang Car Show and Event in Maggie Valley

September 21 - 22  39th Annual Fall Regional Mustang Event  This is the oldest running Mustang Car Show in the world and is open to the public from 8 AM to 4 PM. The event is also open to any Ford body and powered products and is a popular vote car show.

Located at the Maggie Valley Fair Grounds 3374 Soco Road, rain or shine. Get a link for the Fall Regional Mustang Car Show on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Glass in the Mountains Celebrates 50 years of Studio Glass

September 20-23   Glass in the Mountains A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Studio Art Glass. Events activities include private visits to well known glass artists studios, glass demonstrations and exhibitions. private tour of Harvey Littleton studio and a Gala Event at Town Center.

The Toe River Valley, home to the father of studio glass Harvey Littleton and over 50 other glass artists, will celebrate by hosting a weekend of events happening in and around Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Bakersville, Micaville, and Penland, North Carolina.

Learn about this remarkable glass community and take studio tours, watch glass blowing demonstrations, enjoy a gallery hop of glass exhibitions, including A History of Glass in the Toe Valley exhibit at the Toe River Arts Council in Spruce Pine, and attend a gala evening featuring a lecture and book signing of A Life in Glass by author Joan Falconer Byrd at the Burnsville Town Center.

Get a link for more details, event and artists participating in Glass on the Mountains on the Burnsville NC Visitor Guide.

Music and Wine Weekend at Biltmore

September 21-23  Music and Wine Weekend at Biltmore   Celebrate NC Wine month with festive, delicious, and fun events at Biltmore's Antler Village and Winery. Enjoy live music, grape stomps, and barrel tastings.

This special event is included in your estate admission. Live music this weekend at the Bandstand includes Skylark on Friday from 4:30 - 9:15 PM and on Saturday Mark Guest Trio 12:00 PM–4:45 PM, Gypsy Swingers 5:00 PM.–9:45 PM. Sunday from 1:15 - 6:15 PM Red Hot Sugar Babies performs. Get a link for Music and Wine Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate - 201 guest rooms and 9 suites. An exceptional mountain inn emphasizing the Vanderbilt hospitality of old with 24-hour concierge service, outdoor pool and hot tub, library with view, fitness center, onsite dining, WIFI. Complimentary scheduled estate shuttle service for easy access to all areas of Biltmore. Specials and packages are available year around.   Get Biltmore Inn current rates and availability

 

Pisgah Mountains Bike Stage Race this Week

September 17 - 22   The Pisgah Mountains Bike Stage Race Come experience some of the best mountain biking trails in the U.S. The Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race is a five-day, fully supported endurance event that offers an unmatched sampler of some of the best single-track in the country.

The course includes the East’s most rugged trails and tallies 28,000 feet of climbing over 195 miles. Discover riding in Pisgah with rhododendron tunnels, picturesque creek crossings, incredible leaf colors, and rooty, rocky single-track. Additional activities include a free kids’ race and more.

Get a link for details about the Pisgah Mountains Bike Stage Race on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide

Mountain Heritage Festival Today in Sparta

September 15   18th Annual Mountain Heritage Festival  Craft and food vendors line Main Street in downtown Sparta NC in celebration of mountain heritage in craft and music. This year's entertainment features Wayne Henderson and Helen White.

With demonstrations of the skills of local ancestors and music that mixes local heritage with modern influences, there is something for everyone. Dancers will be kicking up their heels and the Possum Queen will be crowned.
Roger Sharp has dazzled Mountain Heritage Festival spectators with his Bearfoot Chainsaw Art and the almost surgical precision with which he whields a chainsaw to create on of his prized bears, eagles, frogs or other creatures. And he will be returning to the 2012 Festival.

Learn more about Sparta and local attractions on the Sparta NC Visitor Guide

 

Macon County Fair this week in Franklin

September 12-15    59th Annual Macon County Fair   Experience the "home-grown" goodness of Macon County, an authentic agricultural fair featuring crafts, farm animals and festival foods.

Farm animals are exhibited and compete for awards. From dairy cows to rabbits, goats  sheep, horses and chickens, the animals that make a working farm work will be on display.

At Educational exhibits you can learn how to grow vegetables or keep bees. Traditional crafts shuck as corn shuck dolls are found along with pottery, jewelry, tole painting and more. Booths with baked goods, flowers, house furnishings, craft demonstrations and more are a part of this popular fair.

The Annual BBQ Supper begins at3 PM with $8 for adult plates and $5 for children 12 and under. Eat in or take out. And don't miss out on the Harvest Sale with the opportunity to buy produce, baked good antiques and more.

The events is held on the Macon County Fair Grounds and the Wayne Proffitt Agriculture Center in Franklin NC. Get a link for the Fair and other Franklin attractions on the Franklin NC Visitor Guide.

Smoky Mountain Cabin Special 10% Sepetember Discount

  10% discount for stays through 9/30.  Smoky Mountains Cabin - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6.  Large deck, hot tub, grill, firepit, foosball. Convenient location for Nantahala River rafting and fishing. $130-$170 night, $780-$1020 week       See photos and availability

Beach Music on the Blue Ridge in Boone

September 14   Beach Blast on the Blue Ridge  Dance the night away to the sounds of The Embers, Soul Benefactor and Chairmen of the Board while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tickets are: $28 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and may be purchase at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce or online at  Ticketweb HERE,   Patron Tent Packages are available for $500 - the Package includes a 10'x10' tent, an 8' table with tablecloth, 10 tickets and 10 chairs.   Click here for tent order form.   Call  to reserve a tent at 828.295.7851.

Food and beverages will be available and guests are also allowed to bring in outside food and drink (brown bagging is permitted as well).
Held at the Blue Ridge Mountain Club is located at 9401 State View Road in  Boone, NC (near Blowing Rock NC)  The gates open at 4 PM.

Find more information about the Boone area on the Boone NC Visitor Guide

Learn About Indian Culture at the Mountain Heritage Pow Wow

September 14-16   Mountain Heritage Pow Wow  The 7th annual event held this year at the Mountain Heritage Expo Center (621 Micaville Loop). An exceptional opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Native American People.

Activities include dancing, drumming, singing, a lodge, demonstrators, story tellers, music, hand made craft vendors, and Native American food. Hours are Friday 8 AM - 9 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 9 PM and Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM. Admission is $5 for Adults and $2 for Children. Friday is Kids Day and children are FREE with their schools.

The purpose of the Pow Wows is to preserve and celebrate Native American heritage. Pow wows emerged in late 19th Century North America as a way to reclaim, practice, celebrate, and pass on to the next generation important elements of the Native American peoples' cultural heritage. Most pow wows have some common features that the public can expect to enjoy when they attend. These include "grand entry" parades and ceremonies that start the formal programming once or twice a day. Everything at a pow wow, as in all aspects of Native life, is laid out and performed in circles, to honor the cycle of life and maintain harmony with the forces of nature.

Learn more about the Mountain Heritage Pow Wow and other local events and attractions on the Burnsville NC Visitor Guide.

Take a Hike - in Chimney Rock Park

September 15   Saturdays at Four Seasons Guided Hikes at Chimney Rock Park   A complimentary guided hike (with paid Park admission) on the Four Seasons trail. Witness nature’s changing seasons on this 0.6-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike starts at the Meadows and climbs 400 feet of elevation to the top parking lot. Not recommended for children under 12.

This trail winds through hardwood trees and past thickets of Carolina Rhododendron, mountain laurel, abundant wildflowers and indigenous plants. Same-day signup at Cliff Dwellers; limited to 20 people. Meet for the hike near the climbing tower on the Meadows at 1 PM.

Chimney Rock Park is a favorite hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Get more information about Chimney Rock Park trails on the
NC Mountain Trail Guide.

Literary Festival in West Jefferson

September 12-15   On The Same Page Literary Festival  High Country locals and visitors are invited to celebrate the literary arts in Ashe County. The fourth annual literacy will focus on writing about North Carolina people, places and traditions.

Events planned for this festival are informative and fun with readings, workshops, a film showing and lots of question-and-answer sessions with the authors. 

Special Preface Event on September 11 at 7:30 PM:   Tongues of Fire. A theatre and musical production by the Touring Theatre of North Carolina. The play is  based on the short story by Lee Smith and prresented by the Ashe County Arts Council at the Ashe Civic Center. Admission is charged.

Get a link for the Literary Festival and other local events on the West Jefferson NC Visitor Guide.

KidFest Today at Grandfather Mountain

September 8   KidFest at Grandfather Mountain A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.

Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Tweetsie Hosts Railroad Heritage Weekend

September 8-9   Railroad Heritage Weekend    A unique weekend celebrating the history of the ET & WNC Railroad and Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy two steam engines at their finest; see historic railway films and much more. Special weekend pass required for selected events. Cherokee dance and demonstrations for all park guests. The Park is Open from 9 AM - 6 PM.

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, takes a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Even in today's high-tech world, there's still a place for old-fashioned fun. Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer and take a ride on historic steam locomotive, Number 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open daily April - October with special events offered.
 
Get a link for Tweetsie Railroad and other NC Attraction on the Blowing Rock Visitor Guide

Whitewater Kayak Tournament on the Nantahala

September 7-9   ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup   Called the X-Games for whitewater, this event offers spins, flips, turns and tricks of freestyle snowboarders, surfers and skaters with freestyle kayaking! The ICF World Cup is held every two years, and the final event of this series for 2012 will be held on the Nantahala River near Bryson City. 

More than 100 competitiors from 17 countries a scheduled to compete.  Classes include:
Junior Mens (K1Mjr) - 15-18
Junior Womens (K1Wjr) - 15-18
C1 - Individual canoe, closed deck
OC1 - Individual open canoe
Mens K1 (K1M)- Individual kayak
Womens K1 (K1W) - Individual kayak
Men's Squirt Boating (SqM)
Women's Squirt Boating (SqW)

The World Cup is sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the governing body of Olympic paddlesports. Get a link for more details or information about rafting on the Nantahala on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Brevard Hosts the 7th Annual Mountain Song Festival

September 7-8  7th Annual Mountain Song Festival  is held in the beautiful covered, open-air auditorium by the lake at Brevard Music Center. This foot-stomping, banjo-picking celebration of bluegrass and newgrass music will feature The David Grisman Sextet, Del McCoury Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, Kruger Brothers, Shannon Whitworth, Colin Hay and Della Mae. 

The event supports the Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County and has become a premier southeastern festival drawing 5000 music lovers annually. The Family-friendly event offers free admission for children under 10. Get a link for details and tickets on The Brevard NC Visitor Guide.

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair Opens this week in Asheville

September 7-16   North Carolina Mountain State Fair   Held at the WNC Agricultural Center, this is the third largest fair in North Carolina, and it celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides. Get a link for tickets and details about the NC State Fair on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

SAVE 50%   by purchasing Advance Ride Tickets before September 7th. 

Fair entertainment includes:
 
PRCA Rodeo The original extreme sport comes to the fair Monday through Thursday night! Don’t miss the excitement of PRCA Rodeo. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. Monday - Thursday (nightly at 6:00) Stampede Corral.
 
Rocketman - Human Cannonball
Chachi Valencia, alias The Rocket Man, was a big shot at 2012 Olympics Closing Cememony in London as he flew in Olympic Stadium to a live crowd of 80 thousand spectators and 4 billion television viewers world wide. Straight from the Olympics to the NC Mountain State Fair, watch the human cannonball perform nightly September 7th - 16th. (Drew Exposition Midway)

Kenya Safari Acrobats
The Kenya Safari Acrobats offer a truly unique cultural experience. Hailing from the heart of Africa, this awe-inspiring and dynamic dance troupe takes acrobatics to exhilarating extremes. The group members learned acrobatics as children on the beaches of Kenya, as a means to break free from an impoverished country. Now they serve as artistic ambassadors for Kenya as they travel the globe, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages. Friday - Sunday (11:00, 1:00, 4:00, 7:00) Monday - Thursday (4:00, 7:00) Davis Event Center

Josh Knotts & Lea - Extreme Illusions & Escapes
Josh Knotts has performed across the nation and in 6 countries bringing a high energy mix of illusions, theatre and comedy for a magic performance incomparable to other magicians. Josh and Lea pride themselves on their mix of Las Vegas style grand illusions, skillful edge of your seat escapes and audience participation-- they will even use audience members in some of their big illusions! Friday – Sunday (4:00, 6:00, 8:00) Monday – Thursday (6:00, 8:00) Got to be NC Stage

Mike Bishop - Comedy Hypnotist
Watch in absolute disbelief as your friends, family, co-workers and students forget their names, become Elvis impersonators, and freak out as the hypnotist actually vanishes before their eyes! This is the power of hypnotic suggestion. The show is clean comedy and appropriate for all audiences. Friday – Sunday (3:00, 5:00, 7:00) Monday – Thursday (5:00, 7:00) Got to be NC Stage

Michelle's Magical Poodles
Michelle's Magical Poodles is a show full of classic and traditional style dog tricks. These beautiful poodles can be seen jumping through hoops, dancing, assisting in magic tricks, carrying flowers and even demonstrating a fire safety routine. This show is family oriented, audience i 

StatueViva
"StatueViva" or "The Living Statue" creates a unique performance based on improvisation and audience participation... A LIVELY SHOW with European flair bound to bring laughter, fun and something for everyone. Performances Daily (Drew Exposition Midway)nteractive, educational as well as entertaining. Fun for all ages!! Performances Daily (4:30, 6:00) Davis Event Center


Exhibits and Demonstrations range from HCC Timber Sports Lumberjack Demonstrations to the Hogway Speedway to Wild Encounters with Carlton Burke, Bills Farm Adventure, Chainsaw Artist Mountain Dan Smathers, the Dixie Starlight Express and a Heritage Walk. 

 
 
Musical Lineup for the 2012 Fair includes:
 Nikki Talley, Nuthin Fancy, Leigh Glass Band, Old North State, Kayla McKinney, Buddy K Big Band, Michelle Leigh, Sharkadelics, Tom Fish, The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, Pick Your Switch, Ryan “RnB” Barber featuring Orange Krush, Blackjack, Unit 50, Caribbean Cowboys, Dashboard Blue, Carolina Rex, Crossridge, Tuxedo Junction, 96.5 Band, Paul Eldeman, Greywolf, Lee Whitaker, Brother West, Tom Brown, Free Flight, plus many more.

The NC State Fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd. in Fletcher, NC (suburb of Asheville). 

Labor Day Events: Asheville's Symphony in the Park

September 3   Symphony in the Park The Asheville-Buncombe Youth Orchestra performs a FREE outdoor concert at Pack Square Park on Labor Day beginning at 5:30 PM. The ABYO is a thirty-five year-old organization with 60+ musicians from five counties in Western North Carolina and includes public, private and home-schooled students.

Get a link for Symphony in the Park and other things to do on Labor Day on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Labor Day Weekend Event: Go Fly a Kite!

September 2   Mile High Kite Festival   An annual family friendly fun event and a wonderful tradition on Beech Mountain as the community welcomes back the Richmond Air Force and Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society Kiting Clubs.
Festival attendees will fly kites at an altitude of one mile above sea level. The first 300 kids will get a free kite for the competition. Decorating help and materials will be available for the free kites. Kites can also be purchased. Two kite clubs are available to demonstrate flying techniques, and will also display their kites.

A contest will be held for the biggest, smallest and best-decorated kite.  All participants receive an official certificate from Beech Mountain Mayor Rick Owen that proclaims "I flew a kite a mile high on Beech Mountain."

The Kite Festival takes place in the meadow at the top of Beech Mountain next to the Brick Oven Pizzeria.  Hours are 10 AM. to 4 PM..  There is no charge for admission.
Get a link for more details about the Mile High Kite Festival on the Beech Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Labor Day Weekend Event: LAAFF in Asheville

September 1-2      LAAFF  (Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival)   Once a year Lexington Ave in downtown Asheville is shut down for this all day, all local, all original street fair that has grown to be the largest independent street fest in the southeast.

This jam-packed day is filled with wild street performers, unique artwork, a wide variety of music, and just about everyone who wants to have some fun and celebrate in the streets of Asheville.

Get a link for LAAFF and other Labor Day Weekend Events in Asheville on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide