Last Updated on May 15, 2026
Discover the rhythm of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the vibrant arts, music, and heritage that define the summer season in North Carolina.
When the heat of the lowlands begins to rise, there is no place quite like the High Country. The air grows cooler, the views stretch further, and the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock transform into a cultural hub. Summer in the mountains is not just a season; it is a celebration. From the echoes of bagpipes on Grandfather Mountain to the refined notes of a symphony over a lake, the area offers a festival for every interest.
Annual traditions
The High Country is home to events that have drawn visitors for generations. These cornerstone festivals represent the deep history and sophisticated arts scene of the region.
An Appalachian Summer Festival
Throughout the month of July, Appalachian State University hosts one of the nation’s premier multidisciplinary arts festivals. This event brings world class theater, music, dance, and visual arts to Boone. Whether you are interested in a contemporary dance performance or a legendary rock headliner at the Schaefer Center, this festival proves that the mountains are a sophisticated destination for art lovers.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Held at the base of the iconic Grandfather Mountain, these games are a sight to behold. As one of the largest Scottish gatherings in the world, the event features traditional athletics, dancing, and music. The sight of hundreds of tartans and the sound of massed bagpipes against the mountain backdrop is an experience you will not soon forget.
Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
Spanning multiple weeks in June and July, this show is a centerpiece of the Blowing Rock social calendar. It is one of the oldest outdoor horse shows in the United States. Visitors can enjoy the elegance of equestrian competition at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, a tradition that dates back to the early days of the town’s resort history.
Art, Crafts, and Local Flavor
The spirit of the mountains is best captured by the local makers and artisans who call this region home. Summer is the perfect time to find a unique piece of North Carolina heritage.
Art in the Park
On one Saturday each month from May through October, downtown Blowing Rock hosts Art in the Park. This juried show features master craftsmen and fine artists. It is an ideal way to spend a morning, as you can stroll from the park to the various boutiques and restaurants that line Main Street.
Boone Boomerang Festival
This June event is a massive community homecoming. It celebrates everything that “boomerangs” back to Boone, featuring local musicians, street performers, and food vendors. It captures the youthful, energetic spirit of the college town while remaining accessible for families and visitors of all ages.
Weekly Musical Escapes
You do not have to wait for a specific date to find entertainment. Many of the best summer experiences in the High Country happen every single week.
- The Jones House Concert Series: Join the locals on the lawn of the historic Jones House in Boone every Friday evening. These free concerts feature bluegrass and old time musicians, offering a true taste of Appalachian culture.
- Symphony by the Lake: For a more formal experience, the annual performance by the Symphony of the Mountains at Chetola Resort is a must. Listening to a full orchestra as the sun sets over the water is a highlight of the season.
- Concerts on the Lawn: The Inn at Ragged Gardens in Blowing Rock hosts a weekly series that is a favorite for those who enjoy live music in a beautiful garden setting.
Live where you love
Summer festivals in Boone and Blowing Rock offer more than just entertainment; they offer a sense of place. Between the events, you can enjoy world class hiking, scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and some of the best dining in the state. We invite you to trade the city heat for the mountain breeze and discover why summer in the High Country is so special.
If after you visit the High Country you desire more time in this breath-taking area, we invite you to find your dream home in Boone/Blowing Rock, NC!
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Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 2,000 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit www.howardhannatate.com.
