What to do this Weekend in the Mountains

November 17, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Taste of Asheville   An evening of food, wine and beer tasting with 40+ AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) restaurants, wine sponsors and local brewers.  This event usually "sells out" so get your tickets in advance. Enjoy the best of Asheville's food and beverage scene with tastings and samplings of old favorites and new creations. This is a fundraiser for AIR and it's programs, including the "Chef's of Tomorrow" Scholarship at AB Tech and GO! Kitchen Ready.

November 17 - December 17, 2016
NC City:  FLAT ROCK
Event:     A Christmas Carol at The Flat Rock Playhouse  Adapted for the stage by Richard Hellesen.  Original music with lyrics adapted from traditional sources by David De Berry.  By popular demand, Charles Dickens’ classic tale returns to Flat Rock Playhouse in 2016. The State Theatre of North Carolina will be presenting the hit 2014 production bi-annually. Seats from $15 - $40

November 18, 2016
NC City:  NORTH WILKESBORO
Event:     Light Up Downtown   Annually, Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro kicks off the Holiday Season with the lighting ceremony soon after dusk. Main Street is filled with the lights, joys, smells, and sounds of Christmas. Santa will be in the lobby of Wilkes Towers ready for photos with the little ones. Local community groups take part in in providing hay rides, live entertainment, food, crafts, kids activities and more.

November 18, 2016
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:    Scheduled Opening Day for Appalachian Ski Mountain   ASM Opens (if weather permits) for the 2016-2017 season.  To celebrate, the first 100 guests to the Ticket Cashier Window will receive a FREE ski ticket. 

November 18 - 23, 2016  (continues  select dates through Jan 1, 2017)
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Event:     The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  The 1 ¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story.  Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Enjoy singing Christmas carols during the trip back. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season. 

November 18, 2016 - January 1, 2017
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum    Winter Lights is a three-acre nightly walking tour of The North Carolina Arboretum's nationally-known gardens, including its Quilt Garden and Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Celebrate the holidays and discover the natural beauty of western North Carolina through lighted garden exhibits and landscapes. The 2015/2016 Winter Lights exhibit will also include animated displays that are programmed to illuminate to the sounds of musical holiday favorites. In addition, there will be several new displays and family-friendly activities that will be placed throughout the gardens. 

November 18 - January 4, 2017
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:    Winter Wonderland at The Grove Arcade  The historic Grove Arcade is all dressed up in holiday style with 35 shops and restaurants in celebration mode. Gingerbread entries from The Omni Grove Park Inn are on display along with traditional winter wonderland decorations and shops filled with special gifts. for friends and family.

November 19, 2016
NC City:  OLD FORT
Event:     Classic Car Cruise-in   Held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle. Downtown Old Fort, 3-5 PM. A  free Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers

November 19, 2016
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON
Event:     Annual Holiday Parade   The Holiday parade begins at 3 PM followed by the 1st Annual Light up the Town event starting around 5:30 PM. The Downtown will be lit at dusk with lighted displays and decorations. Businesses will be all decked out for the Holiday season many  will also have extended hours to start your Holiday shopping early. Food specials and live music at will be offered by downtown restaurants. Visit stores for chances to win prizes. End your evening at the WJ Methodist Church Hensley Hall for Coffee House Live with great entertainment and refreshments beginning at 7:30 PM.

November 19, 2016
NC City:  BURNSVILLE
Event:    Christmas Ornament Festival in Town Center   9 AM - 2 PM. An annual Christmas Ornament Festival featuring one of a kind gift items handmade by local crafters and artisans. Admission is free. The Burnsville NC area is home to hundreds of North Carolina's favorite artists and crafters. This is your opportunity to make your holiday gift giving really special with a handcrafted piece from, the mountains.

November 19, 2016
NC City:   ASHEVILLE
Event:     Asheville Holiday Parade  The 70th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls through downtown Asheville beginning at 11 AM. The parade starts on Biltmore Avenue near South Charlotte Street, makes a left on Patton Avenue, and ends at French Broad Avenue.  This year's parade features nearly 100 entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, nonprofits and businesses. Bojangles will have food and beverages available for sale along the parade route.

November 19 - January 3, 2017
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     19th Century Carolina Christmas at the Smith-McDowell House   Asheville's oldest surviving dwelling is now a National Register property and a window into how life was lived here in the 19th century. Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way. The Smith-McDowell House Museum's timeline of authentically decorated period rooms showcases the evolution of Christmas celebrations and decorations. This yearly exhibit, began in 1981, is a tradition for many regional families and tour groups. The mansion and local history museum will again be authentically decorated with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments and toys of the Victorian Period. 

November 20, 2016
NC City:  MARION
Event:     Marion Christmas Parade    This annual event marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Marion. 3 PM - 4 PM in historic downtown Marion. 

           

Ten Things to do this Weekend in the NC Mountains

You can find links and more events on our  

NC Events Calendar

photo by Dr. Matt Estep, ASU, 10-9-16

1.   Look at the Leaves! Colors are developing and Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain and other High Country cities and locations should be near peak this weekend. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park shows good color at the highest elevations, proceeding down the mountains a little each day.

2.   Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad  - October 14 - 15, 2016 - Blowing Rock NC.    Advanced ticket purchase is recommended for this very popular event. The ghastly special events include Ghost Train Rides Exciting Haunted House, Halloween Shows, 3-D Maze, Black Hole™, Trick-or-treating and the Freak Forest. Get a complete list of events and times at the website.

3.   Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café - October 14 - 15, 2016 - Chimney Rock NC.
 After leaf peeping, relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck. Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven up the scene on Friday & Saturday evenings in October at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats’ 100% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.  

4.   The Haunted Farm - October 14 - 15, 2016 - Hendersonville halfway to Asheville.  If you dare... come visit this spooktacular farm sitting on a mysterious, blood-soaked stretch of land where the deranged Missy Mae Lively eternally pines for her lost groom. Just 15 minutes from Asheville, The Haunted Farm is  billed as the scariest halloween attraction in Western North Carolina. The Farm is  frightful fun with three main parts: The Woods, The Farm and The Haunted Hayride. New for 2015 - There are more gruesome scenes, horrifying sights, special effects, incredible details and startling scares then ever before. Don't miss the chance to defend against the Zombie Army with your paintball weapon.  Admission - $20 (cash only); $3 parking 

5.   Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express  - October 14 - 16, 2016 - Bryson City NC - Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express   The PEANUTS gang return the the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. Two trips per day at 12 PM and 3:30 PM.

6.    Annual Leaf-Lookers Gemboree  - October 14 - 16, 2016 - Franklin NC.    An Annual Gem Show with dealers from all over the southeast. Rough and Cut Gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits and demonstrations. Adults: $2; Under 12 Free. Watch for $1 off coupons in local newspapers. Sponsored by Franklin Chamber of Commerce and Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin. Look for $1 off coupons in local newspapers.

quilt show at The Harvest Festival

7.    Annual Harvest Festival  - October 14 - 16, 2016 - Robbinsonville NC.   Mountain traditions come alive at the annual Harvest Festival in beautiful Stecoah Valley at the Cultural Arts Center on the grounds of the historic Stecoah School. The former community school was built in 1926, and today is the home of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, an organization dedicated to preserving Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Tickets for the Saturday evening concert are on sale now  -  Admission-adults $25.00 Students k-12 $10.00.  Performing this year will be The Cleverlys. The Sunday afternoon concert is free. 

8.     Family Animal Encounters - October 15 - 16, 2016 - Chimney Rock NC.   Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s woodland friends or possibly the birds of prey, a Red-tailed hawk and Great Horned Owl.  A Park naturalist will explain each animal’s role in our ecosystem, how they came to live at the park and lessons on what can be done to help protect wildlife. Animal Encounters meet at the Outdoor Classroom Saturday and Sunday. Afterward, grab a Track Trail brochure at Grady’s Den and take a hike along the Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 interactive education stations.

Wooly Worm

9.    Wooly Worm Festival  - October 15 - 16, 2016 - Banner Elk NC.  The 38th Annual Festival includes the infamous wolly worm "waces" 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. Admission is $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children 6-12, Free for 5 and under.

10.   The Valle Country Fair - October 15, 2016 - Valle Crucis.   Enjoy an old fashioned County Fair at the peak of fall color leaf season. Activities include crafts, food, mountain music, 150 juried fine art and crafts booths, an activity area for kids, freshly pressed apple cider , Hot-out-of-the-kettle apple butter, Homemade jams & jellies, Brunswick stew, chili and barbecue.  

 

What to do this weekend in the Mountains

Date:      July 31 - August 2, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLEEvent:    87th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival The nation’s longest running folk festival. The 87th annual edition of this three-day event showcases the best of the region’s old-time and bluegrass musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, and ballad singers. Shows begin at 7:00 PM nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      July 31 - August 3, 2014
NC City: BLOWING ROCKEvent:    8th Annual Art & Antiques Show at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum This sale and show offers heirloom-quality antique silver, furniture, pottery, jewelry, clocks, crystal and more. Vendors from across the East Coast bring a variety of items. Preview Party 7/31 from 6:30 PM - 8 PM, $40 per person (including wine and hors d'oeurves). Tickets are $10 and good for the entire show. Get event links and details HERE..

Date:      July 31 - August 2, 2014 and August 7 - 9, 2014
NC City: HENDERSONVILLEEvent:    Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock Series:  Music of the Sixties. The turbulent 60s featured the Counterculture, Anti-War and Civil Rights Movements that revolutionized society and the music of the time. Experience the evolution of pop music through the decade with a unique Music on the Rock tribute concert that brings the music of the 60s to life. Get event links and details HERE.

 Date:     August 1. 15, 29, 2014
NC City: CHIMNEY ROCKEvent:    Wild Mushroom Walks in Chimney State Rock Park  Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the summer and early fall, especially after rainfall. Enjoy a casual Friday hike seeking a variety of fascinating fungi along the Four Seasons or Great Woodland Adventure trail. Meet by Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows - limited to 20 participants, first come basis.    Get event links and details HERE.


Brevard Music Center FINAL Weekend of performances:
August 1, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: New Music 12:30 PM FREE event. 
August 1, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Piccolo Opera 4:30 PM FREE event.
August 1, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: The Pre-concert 6:30 PM Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty. FREE event.
August 1, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Saint Saëns Organ Symphony   7:30 PM Brevard Concert Orchestra with Ken Lam, conductor and Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin. KHACHATURIAN Violin Concerto in D minor; SAINT-SAËNS Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78, "Organ". $15 - $45 
August 2, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Brevard Symphonic Winds 10:30 AM FREE event.  
August 2, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Sweeney Todd 2 PM Sondheim's dark tale of violence, revenge, and pies has remained popular since its Broadway debut in 1979. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, Sweeney Todd sets the compelling story of the title character's obsessive search for revenge against Sondheim's characteristically complex and angular score. Join us as we close our 2014 opera season with this truly memorable performance. Tickets $40. 
August 2, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Pre-concert  6:30 PM Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty. FREE event.  
August 2, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Brahms 1   7:30 PM Brevard Sinfonia with JoAnn Falletta, conductor and Norman Krieger, piano. DZUBAY Snake Alley; MOZART Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491; BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68. Tickets $15 - $45.  
August 3, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Pre-concert Talk 2 PM An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. . FREE event.  
August 3, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Season Finale: Pictures at an Exhibition 3 PM Brevard Music Center Orchestra with JoAnn Falletta, conductor and Conrad Tao, piano. TCHEREPNIN La Princesse Lointaine, Op.4; RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18' MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition. Tickets $15 - $50.  
Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 1 - 2, 2014
NC City: BURNSVILLE
Event:    Mount Mitchell Craft Fair Hundreds of vendors 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. The event is free to the public with entertainment throughout the day. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August    1 - 2, 2014
NC City: JEFFERSON
Events:   Old Time Bluegrass Fiddlers Convention This bluegrass and old-time music competition is typical of the many fiddlers conventions. There will be lots of jamming and socializing among the musicians‚ and visitors are welcome to listen. This event is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council‚ and advance tickets are available from the Ashe County Arts Center or at the gate the days of the performances. The events will be held in the Ashe County Park. Camping is available on a first come basis.   Get event links and details HERE.


Date:      August    1 - 3
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event:    Annual Asheville Antiques Show and Sale Reputable dealers from several states will offer for sale a wide variety of antiques that will appeal to everyone from the beginning collector to the well seasoned investor. The dealers were selected for this show based on their knowledge, professionalism and overall integrity. Find antique furniture in styles ranging from American country to English formal, hand painted porcelains, art glass, cut glass and pottery. Idecker Books will have an amazing display of very fine and rare old books.    Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August    1 - 3, 2014
NC City: BRYSON CITY
Event:    Dinosaur Train™ at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad This event is based on the popular PBS-Kid television series, created by Jim Henson. This adventure filled train ride is packed full with music, stories, entertainment, and activities. PLUS all children will receive their very own Nature Trackers Club guidebook and membership card. Kids will have the opportunity to meet the popular T.rex, Buddy.    Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 2, 2014
NC City: CHEROKEE
Event:    Talking Trees Children's Trout Tournament   This free children’s fishing event is held in August and is great for families. The event lasts two days. On day 1 people pre-register and enjoy a day full of fun with attractions at the fairgrounds, and are eligible for prizes at the end of the day. On Saturday participants fish for four hours after a free breakfast and lunch. There will also be $20,000 worth of prizes given away to registered children. On Saturday the kids may enjoy listening to music, meeting celebrity guests, live animal exhibits, free food, and more.    Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 2 - 3, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event:    Annual Village Art and Craft Fair   Held on the grounds of All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village this year's Fair, the 41st, will include 118 exhibitors. Enjoy high quality art and crafts including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry and more. Hours are Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM.   Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 3 - 9, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event:    Swanannoa Gathering - Mando and Banjo Week and Fiddle Week   Classes in two of the instruments that are at the core of several of the most popular folk genres, including bluegrass, old-time, Irish and Scottish, as well as some of the more adventurous blendings of traditional and jazz flavors known variously as ‘newgrass’ or ‘new acoustic’ music. Fiddle Week at the Swannanoa Gathering celebrates the universality of the fiddle with classes in traditional and contemporary styles ranging from Irish to Mexican, from Cajun to blues. 
  Get event links and details HERE.

Find more NC Mountains Weekend Events HERE

 

  

Upcoming Weekend NC Events for 6-6-14

June 1 - 16
NC City: Blowing RockEvent: Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble at Grandfather Mountain     Enjoy this special program designed to help visitors get the most out of the memorable sight of Catawba rhododendron blooming up the mountain's slopes in early summer. Staff naturalists offer programs and read more...

June 5 - 8, 2014
NC City: HIGHLANDS
Event: 7th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival Participants range from pre-war to classic Europeans to American muscle. Returning in 2010 was the Bridgestone Tire F-1 Racing Simulator. This fun, family oriented event is a must event for the vintage car enthusiast who wants to show or just to browse these great cars from the past. Enjoy the read more...

Date: June 5 - 8
NC City: BLOWING ROCK
Event: Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show - Saddlebred Show. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse show events in the country and has been a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. See the Glitz and Glamour, the read more... 

June 6, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event: Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running. 25 downtown venues participate with   read more...

June 6, 2014
NC City: CASHIERS
Event: Groovin' On The Green This concert features Hurricane Creek. Live summer music concert with great music in a stunning venue in the beautiful weather. The summer concert series is held every Friday at 6:30 pm at the Village Commons. read more... 

 Date: June 6 - 7, 2014
NC City: OLD FORT
Event: NC Gold Festival This annual event, features gold exhibits, gold mining techniques and demonstrations, treasure and scavenger hunts, geo-caching, gold panning, numerous vendors including arts and crafts, raffles, Friday night read more...

June 6 -8, 2014
NC City: MAGGIE VALLEY
Event: Ole Smokey Tractor Club Spring Farm Fest See the Parade of 30 + tractors drive through the Town of Maggie Valley on Friday & Saturday. Food vendors are onsite for your dining pleasure. Education Antique Tractor & Engine Show with Parts Vendors; Flea Market with Crafts; Tractor rides for kids throughout  read more...

June 7, 2014
NC City: CHIMNEY ROCKEvent: National Trails Day at Chimney Rock State Park Head for the Park and enjoy events for the entire family. 11 AM: Rockin’ Naturalist Guided Hike - Explore the flora and fauna of the Hickory Nut Falls trail; meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts. 2 PM: Wonderful World of Reptiles--Enjoy learning the natural history and important roles our scaly friends play in our ecosystem. Kids of all ages will enjoy the rare chance to see these critters up close. Meet at Grady's Animal Discovery Den. 5 PM: Hike at Rumbling Bald--Don't miss
read more...

June 7, 2014
NC City: BREVARD
Event: Brevard Blues Festival Come enjoy this pre-season special event with blues, barbeque and brews beginning at 2 PM. Featured performers include: Doug Deming, Dennis Gruenling and the Jewel Tones, Anson Funderburgh, The Shane Pruitt Band, The Dubber, Dangerous Gentlemen, Riyen Roots, the Lee Griffin Band and 
read more...

Find more NC mountain events and festivals on
the NC Events Calendar