Thanksgiving Weekend a Time for Christmas Crafts in the Mountains

Date:      November 25 - December 27
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON
Event:    Tree Fest and Christmas Miniatures Art Exhibit    Beautifully decorated trees with handcrafted ornaments, holiday crafts, gift items and miniature paintings and photography. The gallery shop is also full of handmade ornaments available for purchase. 

Date:      November 26 - December 24
NC City:  MARION
Event:     Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale  features crafts from local artisans, including woodwork, paintings, photography and various Christmas ornaments. The Show is held at the McDowell Arts Council Association Gallery, Main Street in Historic Downtown Marion. 

Date:      November 29 - December 30
NC City:  CULLOWHEE  (near Sylva)
Event:     Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show  Mountain Artisans presents the 25th Hard Candy Christmas, Arts and Crafts Show. This mountain Christmas Tradition features original arts and crafts at a great price. Held at the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University - Free Parking  

Date:      November 29 - December 30
NC City:  FRANKLIN
Event:    Santa's Gift Shop is MV Craft Shows Christmas themed show. Come get in the Christmas shopping mood with festive decorations, music and a jolly atmosphere. In addition to their usual great crafts, the vendors will also display Christmas themed crafts such as decorations, clothing, baked goods and lots of great gifts. Santa himself will also be present to visit with kids of all ages. Along with the craft show there will be a food drive for CareNet. 

Date:      November 30
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON
Event:     West Jefferson Gallery Crawl   Stroll the streets of an historic mountain town, enjoy the cool mountain breeze while listening to the sounds of street musicians and "popping" in and out of West Jefferson's many galleries. Open House in more than 15 art galleries and studios.

Date:      November 30
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Thanksgiving Kiln Opening at Traditions Pottery   Be present at 10:00 AM to watch the wood kiln be unloaded, and them make your selection. Items in the wood kiln will include work from Bolick’s and from Traditions. With face jugs such as Santas, wizards and cry babies, Rebekah pitchers, candlesticks, sculpted chickens and other traditional wares. Food will be served. Free admission.

Date:     November 30
NC City: BEECH MOUNTAIN
Event:    Holiday Market Craft Fair  This is the 7th annual Holiday Market at the Buckeye Recreation Center held from 9 AM - 3 PM. Spend the day with the family or get your holiday shopping done with the unique  arts and crafts that will be offered by local artisans. There is more to do than just shop at the market. Free samples and craft demos add to the fun along with a cookie decorating station. Santa will be on hand for photos and to hear everyone’s wish list. FREE event. 

Date:      November 30
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Curb Market Old Timey Christmas  The Henderson County Curb Market Old Timey Christmas includes refreshments, music, carriage rides, holiday gifts and arts & crafts. Come visit the South's most unique Curb Market. All items sold at the market must be either handmade or locally grown.

Get links for these mountain Christmas craft shows and exhibits on the  NC Events Calendar. 
 

Rutherford County Celebration of the Arts

September 19 - 22    Celebration of the Arts   The Show is held at the at the Foundation Conference & Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College. The show is sponsored by the Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild (RCVAG) and supported in part by the NC Arts Council. 2D and 3D artwork in various media including paintings, photography, clay, wood, textiles, glass, metal, and jewelry for recognition, ribbons, and cash awards. In addition to the show, an adjoining gift shop will be selling handcrafted artwork at affordable prices.

A Gala Fundraiser Dinner will be held Saturday night, September 22, followed by the Awards Ceremony. Proceeds from the Gala tickets, silent auction, and sale of artwork will support RCVAG’s non-profit mission to foster the visual arts and fine crafts in their surrounding community.

Get a link for the Celebration of the Arts and other weekend events in the mountains on the NC Events Calendar.

Father's Day Weekend Event: Blue Ridge Barbeque and Music Festival in Tryon NC

June 14 - 15    19th Annual Blue Ridge Barbeque and Music Festival   The Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival is one of the area's biggest annual events with fantastic Barbecue, phenomenal music and incredible arts and crafts. Bring the kids, friends, family and more. No pets, no coolers. Held at at Harmon Field.

The Festival is FREE on Friday - come and stay all day. The 2013 Festival delivers phenomenal lineups on two stages in a gorgeous venue for a low $8 admission fee. The collection of entertainers will provide two full days of outstanding music.  More than 20 performers and groups will be on stage at the Festival.

Also enjoy the Foothills Arts and Crafts Festival, held simultaneously with the BBQ Festival. The Crafts Festival is a juried fine arts and crafts show that has enjoyed a reputation for the range and quality of items for sale. With nothing manufactured or imported, this show is proud to offer festival-goers a best of the best art and craft shopping experience

Asheville's Popular Studio Stroll in the River Arts District this Weekend

June 8-9   Studio Stroll at the River Arts District   The first, largest, and most walkable tour of working artists’ studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River.

There will be artists’ demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend. There is plenty of parking and you can catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from Clingman Café.

Get a link for the River Arts District Studio Stroll and other Asheville art and craft galleries and shops on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.  

NC Mountain Crafts Today in Old Fort

May 4   ArtsMart    Locally created arts and crafts are displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one-of-a-kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. There is something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. This event is sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and the Artisans League. 

Learn more about NC crafts on the NC Galleries, Artists and Crafts Guide. 

NC Holiday Event: Blue Ridge Christmas Crafts Show

December 1 - 24   Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale  An annual event open daily inside the McDowell Arts Council's Gallery. Free admission and you'll find a huge selection of textiles, wood, clay, silver and other mediums ranging from functional pieces to jewelry and decorative items plus books penned by local authors.

Hours are 10-6 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and Wednesday and Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Get a link and more details about the Blue Ridge Artisans Craft Show and Sale on the Marion NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Events: Beech Mountain Craft Fair and Community Bonfire This Weekend

Beech Mountain NC is full of the Holiday Spirit this weekend with handmade mountain crafts and an evening community bonfire.

November 24 -  Holiday Market Craft Fair An annual Holiday Market at the Buckeye Recreation Center held from 11am-3pm. Spend the day with the family or get your holiday shopping done with the unique arts and crafts that will be offered by local artisans.

November 25 -   Community Bonfire Held at 8 PM at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria. Come cozy up around the fire as you roast s’mores, drink cider and cocoa and sing along to the rhythm of the guitar string. Free food, beverages, and music.

Get a link for the community bonfire, craft show and other local information on the Beech Mountain 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

River Arts District Studio Stroll Continues Today in Asheville

November 10-11  River Arts District Studio Stroll   The largest and most walkable tour of working artists' studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River. There will be artists' demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend.

The Stroll is easily accessible by car from Downtown, West Asheville and Biltmore Village, and there is plenty of parking. Catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from the Clingman Café.

Find more Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Valle County Fair Today

October 20    Valle Country Fair    The Fair is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina Mountains at the peak of the fall color season. The tents of 150 juried craft exhibitors line wide lanes that meander back and forth across the grounds.

Local mountain musicians perform throughout the day on the main stage while square dancers and cloggers entertain on the youth stage. The church members serve up Brunswick stew, barbecue, baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, fresh-pressed apple cider, and hot-out-of-the kettle apple butter - with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charity.

Enjoy the best of harvest season food and entertainment while shopping for the finest variety of quality handmade crafts in the High Country.  Get a link for the Valle Country Fair and other local events and attractions on the Valle Crucis NC Visitor Guide.

American Craft Week event: ColorFest, Art and Taste of Appalachia

October 6   ColorFest, Art and Taste of Appalachia   Autumn's colors and flavors take center stage Saturday, Oct. 6, during this fourth annual festival. This arts and food event fills the sidewalks of Dillsboro with a variety of mountain artisans demonstrating their skills, plus food vendors serving up a taste of the North Carolina mountains. Local musicians and street entertainers add music to festivities, while restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the day. 10 AM - 4 PM.

Leisurely stroll through the town encountering fine artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas, hear strands of music blossoming through the doorways and experience a delicious taste of NC foods and wines ...all the time surrounded by the spectacular fall beauty of the mountains.

Talk with local artists, authors, growers, wine makers and musicians as you wander through the picturesque town, unique shops and choice restaurants. Works from participating artists have been on display in the windows of shops in Dillsboro since September 6.

Get a link for ColorFest and other Dillsboro events and attractions on the Dillsboro 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.

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

Ooh La La Curiosity Market today in Asheville

August4  Ooh La La Curiosity Market   An outdoor market in Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

Get a link for the Ooh La La Curiosity Market and other things to do in Asheville on the Asheville NC Visitors Guide.

56th Annual Mount Mitchell Craft Fair this weekend in Burnsville

August 3- 4    Mount Mitchell Craft Fair  Hundreds of art and craft exhibitors and thousands of visitors will participate in the 56th Annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair. The event takes place on the Town Square and surrounding streets. Handcrafters from all over the United States come to sell their wares including baskets, candles, kettle corn, pottery, stained glass, and so much more. 

In addition to the variety of exhibitors, the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair includes live entertainment and a food court showcasing such Southern staples as barbecue and homemade ice cream.

The event is free to the public with entertainment throughout the day. Get a link for the Mount Mitchell Craft Fair, Burnsville cabins and other local information on the Burnsville NC Visitor Guide

Blue Ridge Mountain Fair in Sparta

July 27-28  Blue Ridge Mountain Fair   Discover the handiwork of local artisans at this arts and crafts fair, held in the heart of Sparta NC at Crouse Park. The event features local artisans, entertainment and food vendors.

Fairgoers also have a chance to visit the Alleghany Quilter’s Guild Show at the Black Exhibition Building at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds on US 21, 1.5 miles north of Sparta.See the creativity of local quilters and vote on your favorite for the People’s Choice Award. There will bea variety of  demonstrations each day including hand appliqué, hand quilting, felting, hairpin lace, etc

A free shuttle bus will be available between the Quilt Show, the Blue Ridge Crafts Show, and the Vintage Car Show.

Get a link for the Blue Ridge Mountain Fair, vacation rentals and other Sparta events on the Sparta NC Visitor Guide

July 8 The Big Crafty at the Asheville Art Museum Today

July 8  The Big Crafty returns to the Asheville Art Museum. The event celebrates and showcases the fine wares of over 100 independent indie crafters, artists and makers. The complete line up of participating artists is now available online. This is a free, family-friendly event.

In addition to the Craft Event, be sure to browse the Museum's many current exhibits. Stop by the Family Art pARTy from 1 PM to 4 PM offering Hands-on art activities for all ages.

Get a link for the Big Crafty and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Art and Music this Weekend in Asheville

July 7   Shindig on the Green Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville, this FREE event was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays.

July 7   Ooh La La Curiosity Market An outdoor market in Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

July 8   The Big Crafty The Big Crafty returns to the Asheville Art Museum. The event celebrates and showcases the fine wares of over 100 independent indie crafters, artists and makers. The complete line up of participating artists is now available online. This is a free, family-friendly event. In addition to the Craft Event, be sure to browse the Museum's many current exhibits. Stop by the Family Art pARTy from 1 PM to 4 PM offering Hands-on art activities for all ages.

Get a llink for Shindig on the Green, The Curiosity Market, The Big Crafty and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Mountain Artisan Summertime Art and Craft Show this Weekend

June 30 - July 1   Mountain Artisan Summertime Art and Craft Show at WCU Local art and crafts from 10 AM - 5 PM held in the Ramsey Center in climate-controlled comfort. Contemporary art and crafts as well as heritage crafts including quilting, pine needle baskets, blacksmithing, clay art, folk dolls, corn shuck flowers, broom corn brooms, carved spirit sticks, and primitive furniture.

Western Carolina University (WCU) is located in Cullowhee NC, just North of Sylva

Art in the Park Today in Blowing Rock

June 16 - Art in the Park   Don't miss Blowing Rock's Art in the Park, a juried art and crafts show featuring 90 artists held in the picturesque downtown park once a  month from May to October. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Prices for objects, from a handmade postcard to a large piece of furniture, range from $5 to $5,000.

Get a link for Art in the Park and more local information on the Blowing Rock NC Visitor Guide