Discover These Must-Attend Spring Events Near Boone, NC

GraystoneLodge / April 8, 2025 /Things to Do

Spring is the perfect season to visit Boone, North Carolina. The days warm up just enough to enjoy mountain air without the summer crowds, and the High Country comes alive with festivals, races, music, and family-friendly traditions. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a midweek escape, these spring events near Boone, NC will help you experience the best of the season.

Graystone Lodge is a 101-room boutique hotel located in Boone, NC, that captures the spirit of the High Country in a warm, welcoming ambiance of a mountain lodge with an enhanced modern design and upscale amenities. Book your stay or learn more about our rooms. Subscribe to our email list to “stay in the know” about local tips, events, and promotions: Join the list! Don’t miss our Spring Special: Stay 2 Nights and Save 20% offer! Valid April 1st, 2025 through June 19th, 2025. Book now and save.

MerleFest (Wilkesboro, NC – April 24th-26th)

MerleFest is one of the country’s most celebrated Americana and roots music festivals. Named after Merle Watson, son of the legendary Doc Watson, this four-day event draws music lovers from all over the nation.

Expect dozens of stages, a family-friendly vibe, jam sessions, food vendors, and some of the best flat-picking you’ll ever hear. MerleFest is only about 45 minutes from Graystone Lodge—close enough to attend for the day, and far enough to escape back to the peace of Boone when the crowds wind down.

Tip: Tickets sell out quickly. Book your room and your passes early.

TroutFest & Blowing Rock Trout Derby (Blowing Rock, NC – May 2nd-4th)

Families, fishing fans, and first-timers—this one’s for you. TroutFest hosted by The Speckled Trout Outfitters will be a vibrant celebration of community, nature, and the local High Country fishing culture! Enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, casting clinics, exciting demos, and activities for all ages. Proceeds support MountainTrue – The Riverkeeper and The Build For Good Foundation, championing environmental protection and fishery conservation in the heart of Blowing Rock!

In the middle of TroutFest weekend, the Blowing Rock Trout Derby is a long-running spring tradition celebrating the first day of trout season in North Carolina. Kids under 12 can fish for free in designated areas, and prizes are awarded throughout the day for the biggest catches. It’s a laid-back, outdoorsy way to kick off spring, just 15 minutes from Boone.

Don’t forget:

  • Fishing gear (or rent from local outfitters)
  • Sunscreen and layered clothing
  • A camera for all the “first fish” moments

High Country Jazz Festival (Boone & Blowing Rock – June 13th-15th)

If jazz is more your rhythm, plan your Boone visit around the High Country Jazz Festival. This multi-day event features jazz ensembles, big band performances, and solo artists in intimate settings, from outdoor patios to historic auditoriums.

Held in both Boone and Blowing Rock, it’s easy to catch a show or two during your stay. Relax with a drink in hand and mountain views in the background—it’s a soulful way to unwind and take in the cultural side of the High Country.

North Wilkesboro All-Star Race (North Wilkesboro Speedway –May 16th-18th)

NASCAR fans, take note. The legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway has returned to the racing circuit, and the All-Star Race this spring is one of the most anticipated events in years.

Just under an hour from Boone, this race is a full-throttle, high-energy event with tailgating, food trucks, and a passionate fan base. If you’ve never been to a NASCAR race before, this is the one to check out.

Rhododendron Rambles (Grandfather Mountain – May 24th-June 1st)

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Rhododendron Rambles, a guided trail walk through some of the most stunning spring blooms in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Grandfather Mountain, about 40 minutes from Boone, is famous for its sweeping views and rugged beauty. During the Rambles, naturalists lead small groups through scenic trails to spot the vivid purple blooms of the native Catawba rhododendron.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Water and a light jacket (weather can change quickly at elevation)
  • Binoculars for spotting birds and wildlife

More Spring Events to Explore Near Boone, NC

There’s no shortage of things to do once the snow melts and the trails reopen. Spring in Boone is filled with small-town charm, local markets, music, and fresh air. Here are a few more favorites worth checking out:

Tweetsie Railroad – A family classic with trains, rides, and Wild West fun, perfect for kids of all ages.

Watauga Country Farmers Market – Held on Saturdays 8 am to noon on Horn in the West Drive, featuring handmade crafts, art, local produce, and food trucks.

Sky Valley Zip Tours – Open for the season, you will not want to miss this high flying adventure with ziplining courses for both adults and kids!

First Friday Art Crawl – Enjoy local galleries, artists, and sidewalk musicians as downtown Boone transforms on the first Friday of each month.

Staying at Graystone Lodge

After a full day of fishing, dancing, hiking, or cheering on your favorite driver, it feels good to come back to a place that feels like home. That’s what we aim for here at Graystone Lodge—an upscale boutique hotel with comfort at the center of everything.

Here’s what guests love most:

  • Clean, spacious rooms with thoughtful touches
  • Heated indoor pool and outdoor firepit
  • Complimentary hot breakfast and plenty of coffee
  • Friendly staff who know the area and love to share tips
  • Pet-friendly rooms for your furry travel buddy *fee applies*

We’re proud to be known as the best family-friendly hotel in Boone, NC, and we welcome solo travelers and couples looking to make the most of their time here in the mountains. Contact us today to book your stay!

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