Festivals and Events

From May through October in Blowing Rock, don’t miss "Art in the Park" at the American Legion Grounds. Now in its 44th year, this event features 130 juried arts and crafts exhibitors displaying and selling their works. Featured works include paintings (both oil and acrylic), etchings, stained and blown glass, basketry, wood carving and turning, clay, photography, fiber, jewelry and more.

The High Country is home for many famous musicians representing every form of music. Every Spring, in nearby Wilkesboro, NC, thousands flock to hear the music of Doc Watson and friends in an event appropriately called, "Merle Fest." Blue Grass musicians and their fans come from far and wide to celebrate this special form of American music.

Another event unique to the High Country is the Wooly Worm Festival. Since 1978, the residents of Banner Elk have celebrated the coming of the snow season with a festival dedicated to the Wooly Bear Caterpillar. They set aside the third weekend in October to determine which one woolly worm will have the honor of predicting the severity of the coming winter; and they make that woolly worm earn the honor by winning heat after heat of hard-fought races – up a three-foot length of string.

Bundle up for the Blowing Rock Winterfest. Join the villagers of Blowing Rock as they celebrate the fun side of winter with wine auctions, live bluegrass music, chili cook-offs, hay rides, ice carving contests, the Polar Plunge into the lake at Chetola Resort, and more.

In April, Blowing Rock plays host to the Blue Ridge Wine Festival. Enjoy wine tastings, special wine dinners, and wine making competitions. Attend educational seminars and classes and then attend the "Stompers Ball."

These are just a few of the special events going on year-round in the High Country. Attend one or attend them all!