Festivals and Events in the High Country
Each July, Appalachian State University hosts its monthlong An Appalachian Summer Festival to showcase a wide range of music, dance, theatre and visual arts programming for its attendees. Offering something for all age groups and tastes alike – An Appalachian Summer Festival has something to offer all.
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games honor the area’s Scottish ancestry and heritage. Held annually near Boone in Linville, this renowned event offers visitors a taste of Scotland.
An Appalachian Summer Festival
An Appalachian Summer Festival provides a monthlong burst of music, dance, theatre and visual arts programming in the High Country of West Virginia. Established in 1984, this celebration of our rich heritage offers something for every taste and preference from classic to contemporary entertainment.
Educational programming at the festival continues to expand and develop. The Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young & Emerging Artists, held annually in partnership with Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music, has become internationally renowned as an engine for career success for talented artists from our region. Each final live round takes place each year at Rosen Concert Hall; featuring finalist work from across our region as a panel of judges select First, Second and Third Place winners from among them.
This year, An Appalachian Summer Festival introduces an exciting new competition: the Youth Audience Choice Award. Audience members can vote for their favorite performance; with the winning musician receiving an additional cash prize and performing again at An Appalachian Summer Festival 2023 season.
An Appalachian Summer Festival’s main goal is bringing people together through celebrating arts. One popular feature is Music on the Lawn series held each Friday evening from June through September at Inn at Ragged Gardens in Blowing Rock; locals and visitors alike gather together to experience melodic tunes in an inviting environment that captures the heart and soul of this mountain town.
The festival also encourages families to explore their interests in the arts through interactive exhibits and activities like a Family Art Workshop that allows both children and adults to create tangible art projects together. Furthermore, each summer the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts hosts a Gallery Celebration so arts patrons can meet and mingle with artists featured in its current exhibition while getting to know more about what’s on display – this provides guests with a unique opportunity to engage with art on display first-hand!
The High Country Beer Fest
If you like beer, food, and the fresh mountain air then this event is for you. The High Country Beer Fest is a non-profit event which benefits Appalachian State fermentation sciences among other local non-profits and features unique craft beverages from all around the world. Visitors can sample them and attend free educational seminars about fermentation process while sampling local foods at local vendors as part of this family friendly festival event.
This year’s festival will bring together over 50 breweries from across the United States to represent various styles and tastes so that every attendee is sure to find something suitable. Additionally, event organizers have secured some local food trucks which specialize in pairing well with craft beers offered during this festival.
As well as beer, there will also be live music throughout the day from Pressley Laton covering popular country songs or dancing to Educated Guess’ funky rhythms. Plus there will be games for children such as corn hole and darts as well as photo booth services!
At this year’s festival, there will be several ticket options, such as VIP and General Admission tickets. General Admission tickets cost $40 in advance or $60 at the door and include access to food trucks as well as tasting glasses with unlimited beer samples and tasting glasses with one food truck of your choosing. Ticketholders who purchase VIP tickets will receive one voucher that allows them to select any of them as their meal option of choice!
Designated drivers can attend the festival with a designated driver ticket priced at $10 at the door or $15 in advance, giving access to food, beer, music and all aspects of festival entertainment without permitting drinking. Held annually at High Country Fairgrounds in Boone with free parking available nearby should they feel unsafe driving home after.
Symphony by the Lake
With breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-fueled outdoor activities, the High Country is an idyllic retreat for adventure seekers. Locals also gather here for festivals and events that celebrate its rich culture and community life – from food and music festivals to art fairs – so check back often as our biggest collection of mountain summer events has something special in store.
Symphony by the Lake offers the ideal musical entertainment. Each summer festival near Chetola Lake hosts this free event to showcase various classical and contemporary genres while relaxing along its shores. In addition to enjoying live music performances, guests can also indulge in food and beverage vendors on site!
Virginia Symphony Orchestra brings a bit of magic to the mountains with their performance of “Symphony: The Russians Are Coming!” on Sept. 1. This unique concert will feature an exhilarating piece of Russian choral and orchestral music created by composer-chemist Alexander Borodin – creating an atmosphere sure to please music enthusiasts of all ages!
Valle Country Fair will be another highlight of festival season this year. Held over two days on July 10 and 11, this family-oriented festival showcases all that makes up North Carolina’s vibrant High Country heritage and culture, and all proceeds go directly towards local organizations serving those in need.
Appalachia’s beauty can only truly be experienced through one of these exciting events! Get your tickets, pack up and start planning a visit to the High Country today – we hope we see you soon! For more information about any of these festivals or events, visit our website; here you will find information regarding accommodations, attractions and much more!
Concerts in the Park
No matter the genre, this region boasts talented artists, musicians and performers across various genres – jazz, theater, opera or blues! In the summertime alone, local venues host outdoor concerts and festivals that showcase local talents.
Banner Elk offers Concerts in the Park every Thursday evening during summer at Tate-Evans Park. Bring a chair or blanket, pack a picnic, or purchase food from one of many local food trucks while listening to live music amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
Blowing Rock Farmers Market can be found every Thursday evening from 4pm-6pm at the gazebo at Broyhill Lake and provides shoppers with fresh locally produced food such as produce, meat and dairy while supporting local farmers.
Blues BBQ Festival will also return this summer and will feature beer and barbecue along with some incredible blues music! While this year’s lineup remains to be confirmed, previous years have featured artists like Jackie Venson and Dwayne Dopsie among many more!
If you’re seeking something more cultural, this multifaceted Black Mountain event provides both art and nature experiences. Concurrent with two gallery exhibits featuring artists working in glass, ceramics and wood – as well as garden designs by Ikebana florists from both Western and Asian cultures – there will also be beautiful garden designs created by local Ikebana florists for you to take part in.
From July 6-8, Asheville Arts & Crafts Fair will pay tribute to some of the region’s finest artisans with more than 100 booths showcasing fine art, crafts and handmade jewelry – plus plenty of demonstrations on carving and basket weaving!
At this time, there will also be the Avery Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival in Sugar Mountain, The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival and Valle Country Fair held simultaneously in Valle Crucis.
With so much to do in the High Country during summertime, it’s no surprise that it is such a popular destination! What activities do you most enjoy doing here this season? Share them in the comments!