Annual Events

Easter Bunny at Tweetsie Railroad

Celebrate Easter in the Wild West theme park of Tweetsie Railroad! The Easter Bunny is coming to Tweetsie, hopping into the famous Diamond Lil’s Can-Can Revue and meeting kids for photos afterward (Easter Bunny at Tweetsie). Families can enjoy live shows, rides, and Easter sweets (don’t miss the homemade fudge) as part of this holiday weekend. It’s a unique chance to pair mountain train rides and amusement park fun with an Easter twist, delighting kids and adults alike.

Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby

For the past forty years, we’ve been honoring the arrival of Trout Season with friendly competition and exciting prizes! The Blowing Rock Trout Derby has become a highly anticipated early spring event within our village. With some of the finest trout fishing found in the Southeast, the perfect blend of the Derby and our beautiful spring season offers an excellent reason to come and visit. Fishing is a delightful outdoor activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, and the Derby serves as a wonderful opportunity for family bonding!

Boonerang Music & Arts Festival

Boonerang is a free downtown street festival celebrating Boone’s vibrant arts and music scene (Boonerang Music & Arts Festival). Every third weekend in June, locals and visitors “boonerang” back to Boone for live music on multiple stages, art vendors, and community fun. The festival showcases artists and bands with local ties, so you’ll experience authentic High Country talent across genres (Boonerang Music & Arts Festival). Stroll among shops and breweries, enjoy kids’ activities and even silent discos – there’s something for all ages in Boone’s walkable town center. It’s a terrific way to kick off summer in the mountains with great tunes and local flavor (Boonerang Music & Arts Festival).

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games - July

High in the majestic Mountains of Western North Carolina, the ancient Celtic spirit calls out. Responding to this summons, hundreds of tartan banners unfurl, accompanied by the resonant sounds of bagpipes that echo through the valley. Once again, thousands of kilt-clad Scots make their pilgrimage to MacRae Meadows for their annual gathering and games. In all of the New World, there is no place that captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands quite like the home of America’s grandest Highland Games—Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina.

Ceud mile failte to you and your family as you unite with us to celebrate the rich history of our Scottish heritage and cheer on the clans competing on MacRae Meadows. Over this four-day weekend, you and your family will experience Scottish music, dance, cuisine, costumes, field games, and so much more. Plus, you can shop for tartans and kilts in the vendors’ tents. It’s a weekend brimming with family fun and excitement that will leave you yearning for the mother country—even if you don’t have Scottish roots.

High Country Beer Fest - August

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, in Boone NC, High Country Beer Fest is a celebration of quality craft beer, ciders, and other brews with an emphasis on education. In years past, you could sample craft beverages from over 50 unique breweries while contributing to educational programs that will help create better beer for years to come.

High Country Beer Fest (HCBF) was founded by a few local home brewers and Appalachian State University Chemistry professors who wanted to host an event that could showcase the depth and creativity that embodies the craft brewing industry.

Autumn at Oz - September

Follow the Yellow Brick Road atop Beech Mountain during the Autumn at Oz festival! Once a year, the long-closed Land of Oz theme park reopens for a magical journey into The Wizard of Oz. This immersive event draws huge crowds for a nostalgic stroll with Dorothy and friends through the Land of Oz. You’ll travel from Auntie Em’s farm in Kansas, get caught in the “twister,” and wind your way through enchanting scenes, meeting the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda the Good Witch and of course the Wicked Witch along the way With costumed characters, shows, arts & crafts, food vendors, and sweeping mountain views at 5,500 feet, it’s a one-of-a-kind fall festival for all ages. (Many guests even dress up as their favorite Oz characters to add to the fun!)

Woolly Worm Festival - October

App State Mountaineers Home Football Games -

September - November

Spend a Saturday immersed in Appalachian State football fever! Game days at “The Rock” (Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone) are electric – picture 30,000 fans decked out in black and gold, cheering against a backdrop of autumn-colored mountains. The Nov. 22 season finale versus Marshall will be no exception, as it’s the Mountaineers’ last home game of 2025 Arrive early to take part in legendary tailgating around campus and soak up the spirited atmosphere. App State boasts some of the best attendance and game-day energy in the Sun Belt Conference. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just love a festive community experience, a Mountaineers home game offers thrilling plays on the field and a taste of local college pride.

SugarFest - December

Kick off ski season with a weekend of winter fun at Sugar Mountain Resort’s annual SugarFest celebration. This winter sports festival packs in a bit of everything: you can demo the latest ski and snowboard gear from top brands, attend a ski clinic led by an Olympic athlete, and cap it all off with an after-ski party and fireworks show on Saturday night . During the day, enjoy live music, food and drink “SugarFEAST” specials (think hot chocolate bars and BBQ), and even watch or join a big air skiing demo or ice skating event. It’s a festive way for the whole family to celebrate the holidays early – whether you hit the slopes or just soak in the cozy alpine vibe at the lodge with a cup of cocoa.

Fall Colors in the North Carolina High Country

Autumn in North Carolina’s High Country is one of the Southeast’s most stunning seasons, drawing visitors for vibrant fall foliage across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Sugar Mountain, peak colors begin in late September at higher elevations and continue through late October in lower areas. Popular viewing spots include Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rough Ridge, and Linville Falls. Scenic drives offer breathtaking overlooks, while visitors also enjoy hiking, wineries, festivals, and local events. Cooler temperatures—often 10 to 20 degrees below nearby cities—make fall an especially comfortable time to visit.