Fall and winter may get all the attention, but it’s summer that stands out as the perfect season to beat the heat with a quick trip to the NC mountains. Plan your trip to these NC destinations with these summer events in mind:
Beech Mountain
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Beech Mountain isn’t just for skiing. The adventure destination boasts plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors during the warmer summer months. Try mile-high yoga, downhill mountain biking and disc golf, or just kick back and enjoy the views at 5506′ Skybar. Plan a family-friendly weekend or couple’s getaway around these events:
- Family Fun Month (June): 30 days of family-friendly activities and lodging discounts
- Summer Concert Series (June 15, July 19, August 24): Weekend concerts featuring the Steep Canyon Rangers + Acoustic Syndicate, Galactic + The Get Right Band, moe. and more.
- ‘A Cooler 5’ Race (June 15): A 5K beer run with four stations serving 2 oz of beer along the way.
- Mile High Kite Festival (Labor Day Weekend): The whole family can participate in flying kites, music, kids activities and enjoying craft and food vendors.
Banner Elk/Grandfather Mountain
Art on the Greene
Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekends | Historic Banner Elk School
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Expect to find unique works of art by regional and national artists in a variety of mediums: metal, glass, ceramics, wood, watercolor, acrylics and oil and more.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
July 11-14 | MacRae Meadows, Linville
A four-day celebration featuring Scottish-themed games, Celtic music, bagpipe band parades and more.
Fourth of July Parade & Party in the Park
July 4 | Downtown Banner Elk
This all-American celebration features a parade through downtown Banner Elk followed by a party in the park that offers lunch from several food vendors, games and friendly competitions. The event is part of the larger Mile High Fourth event that features six days of patriotic events and activities.
Asheville
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The Biltmore offers something for everyone this summer. From a summer movie night under the stars to live music, you’re sure to find an event worthy of the drive. Top picks include:
- South Terrace Concerts: Grab tickets now for performances by The Beach Boys (July 25), The B-52s (July 26), The O’Jays and Kool & The Gang (August 9) and Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman (August 10).
- Biltmore Brewing Father’s Day Beer Dinner (June 14): Chef Derek Powell will craft a four-course menu paired with Biltmore and Highland Brewing beers. Hosted in the Garden at Cedric’s Tavern.
- Summer Movie Night Under the Stars (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31): At Antler Hill Barn, enjoy lawn games and barbecue available for purchase from The Smokehouse before the family-friendly films begin.
- July 4th Cookout Celebration (July 4): Enjoy a dinner buffet and games at Antler Hill Barn, followed by fireworks on estate grounds.
- Labor Day Cook Out Celebration (September 1): Celebrate the end of summer with a dinner buffet, games and a fireworks display.
Asheville Art in the Park
June 15, 22, 29 and October 5, 12, 19 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Local professional artists display works at Asheville‘s Pack Square Park during this market series.
RiverFest 2019
July 20 | New Belgium Brewing
Start the day with an “Anything that Floats Parade”, then settle in for a day of live music featuring Alarm Clock Conspiracy, Ashley Heath and Her Heathens, Lyric’s Fan Page, and Coconut Cake. The festival supports RiverLink, a conservation organization dedicated to ensuring a healthy future for the French Broad River.
Blowing Rock
61st Annual Tour of Homes
July 26 | St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church
Tour homes throughout Blowing Rock by shuttle or on foot with proceeds supporting those in need in the High Country.
Lake Lure
The Dirty Dancing Festival
September 13 – 14 | Lake Lure
The 10th annual Dirty Dancing Festival is a celebration of the iconic film featuring a lakeside screening and the chance to learn dance steps and even attempt your own lake lift.
Cherokee
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Located at the entrance to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the perfect summer getaway to enjoy events including:
- Cherokee Summer Carnival (June 6 – 15): Family-friendly fun with a variety of vendors, food, games, karaoke and carnival rides.
- Cherokee Bluegrass Festival (June 6 – 8): A three-day line-up of bluegrass live, offered daily from noon to 10:00 p.m.
- 44th Annual 4th of July Powwow and Fireworks (July 5 – 7): Three days of authentic Indian music, arts and crafting, dancing, food, and festivities.
