Boone Festivals

The Area – High Country – Boone NC

Some people think of Boone North Carolina as just the central hub for the major resort area of the High Country. Oftentimes, well known area festivals such as the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, or the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville are referenced as Boone NC Festivals. However, the college resort town is not without its own unique Festivals and events that keep visitors coming back year after year. Read on to find out more about some of the popular events that happen each year in Boone and plan to visit during some of these fantastic moments. If you are looking for information on Mountain festivities in other regions near Boone, click to the resources we have provided on Blowing Rock, Sugar Mountain Events, Spruce Pine, and beyond.

For views of the Boone Web Cams which spotlight the best views and areas of the town, click to our Mountain Web Cams. ResortCams.com is a free Directory of Live cameras in North Carolina, many of which are located right in the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the High Country. In addition to providing and sponsoring numerous sights in the High Country and other parts of the country, we provide extensive resources and trip planning information complete with area advertisers and tips and advice on how to make your visit the most memorable experience.

Blood, Sweat, & Gears

Boone is a known mountain biking paradise, filled with amazing highways that wind and climb, and scenic off trails that offer something for even the most experienced mountain biker. With all of the great cycling opportunities and bike shops in the area, it is no wonder that over a decade ago, a whole cycling Boone Festival event race was created. Blood, Sweat & Gears is a classic English century race (100 mile loop) that begins at Valle Crucis Elementary School and circles around Boone in roads that lead around the outskirts of Watauga County. The terrain is a good mix; however, it is VERY strenuous, and an easier, half-century loop is also available to ride. Proceeds from the race benefit the Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross and other local organizations.

The Boone Apple Festival

The Boone Apple Festival is a long-running festival that takes place in late October and is held at the Hickory Ridge Homestead, otherwise known as the Horn in the West area and Watauga Farmers Market. At the festival, you can find much more than just apples, although they are quite delicious as well! Browse for things like apple butter and arts and crafts during the Apple Festival.

Music on the MountainTop

The Music on the MountainTop music festival event is only a few years old, but it has a HUGE following among music festival goers. Annually, it is held in late August, when the weather begins to cool a bit. Past acts have included infamous jam band such as Acoustic Syndicate, Keller Williams, Sam Bush, Do It to Julia, The Naked Gods, and many more regionally known artists.

MusicFest in Sugar Grove

Just outside of Boone, in the Blue Ridge Parkway region of Deep Gap, you can find the humble home of Doc Watson, a legendary bluegrass, Americana, and gospel singer and songwriter and Grammy award winning artist. MusicFest in Sugar Grove began as a tribute to Doc Watson and has since grown into a large-scale, two-day bluegrass and Americana singing, songwriting, and all out good-time-having music festival. Doc annually makes an appearance along with other local and regionally famous acts. This area Festival takes place in July.

Valle Country Fair

The Valle Crucis Country Fair is a traditional, old-timey Festival that showcases the best of the Appalachian Mountain culture that surrounds Boone. Valle Crucis is a traditional community located a few miles outside of Boone, and the Valle Country Fair takes place at the Valle Crucis Conference Center. An overgrown church bazaar filled with crafts, traditional foods, and so much more are found at the Valle Country Fair which takes place in mid-October.

Merlefest

While Merlefest is not exactly a Festival in Boone, as it takes place in Wilkes County, many people travel to Boone for Merlefest and choose to stay in and around the town as it is a great commercial and resort area. Merlefest is a nationally famous bluegrass, Americana, and gospel music festival that spans more than three stages and lasts over four days. Well known country and bluegrass artists such as Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Travis Tritt, Tift Merritt, and more have graced its stages. Merlefest is presented by Lowes Hardware and began as a tribute to Doc Watson’s late son, Merle Watson, who was also a singer and songwriter. Merle died tragically in a farming accident in which his tractor went over a steep embankment. His memory lives on through the festival, which is held in late April and early May.

Daniel Boone Days

Daniel Boone Days is a relatively new Festival; however, it is a large-scale, well-planned event that deserves its own mention. Daniel Boone Days is not just your average music festival; it mixes Appalachian Culture and educational events with some fantastic music and talented acts. With each passing year, the event gets larger and larger and the 2010 Daniel Boone Days Festival will also coincide with the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway! Daniel Boone Days Festival takes place each year in early September.

An Appalachian Summer Festival

An Appalachian Summer Festival is Appalachian State’s multi-event, month-long showcase of cultural events and talented artists that takes place the entire month of July. Year after year, award-winning groups take the stage to perform and past years’ line-ups have included performances from the North Carolina Symphony, Pilobolus Dance Group, Joan Baez, and other award-winning acts.

First Friday Art Walks

During the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall, many downtown businesses, restaurants, and art galleries participate in opening their doors for the First Friday Art Walk. The art walks take place on the first Friday of each month, and galleries, The Turchin Center, and several downtown restaurants open their doors to art lovers and those that just love to mingle and have a great time. During these events, local businesses hold special shopping deals, raffles, and other fun things to keep you coming back for more!

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