There’s no shortage of activities to choose from when planning a Boone, NC summer trip. We’re here to help! First, book a stay with us at Graystone Lodge for comfortable, upscale amenities and an ideal central location that offers easy access to fun and exciting activities in Boone and the surrounding area. We also suggest checking out these special events in July and August 2023 to make your vacation even more memorable.
4th of July in Boone | July 4
Celebrate Independence Day in Boone with its annual parade and fireworks show. The Boone 4th of July parade takes place at 11:00 a.m. on King Street in Downtown Boone. There’s a post-parade gathering on the Jones House lawn with free watermelon, cake and lemonade.
Make plans to watch Boone fireworks at Clawson-Burnley Park around dusk.
Other fireworks option near Boone:
- Ride the Summit Express chairlift (ticketed) to the top of Sugar Mountain for the up-close Sugar Mountain fireworks show.
- The Tweetsie Railroad fireworks show is the biggest in the High Country, and the park will have extended hours on the 4th of July. Play all day, then stay to watch fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games | July 6 – 9
Each summer, Grandfather Mountain comes alive with the sounds of bagpipes and Gaelic revelry. This celebratory weekend features live music and entertainment, dance, Highland athletic events, the Parade of Tartans and much more. Multiple ticket package options available; check here for details.
Boone Bigfoots | Select dates in July and August
Minor league baseball teams have the best names (and fun merch!). Summer baseball is an affordable and unique way to spend an evening on your Boone vacation. General admission is $8.50 for adults and $5 for kids. Games are held at Appalachian State’s Beaver Field at 6:30 p.m. (except for Sunday games which start at 4:00 p.m.). See the Boone Bigfoots schedule here.
Horn in the West | Select dates in July and August
Horn in the West is the kind of throwback, Americana vacation activity you’re looking for. It’s this country’s longest-running Revolutionary War outdoor drama, with shows at 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Appropriate for all ages, the performances take place on the grounds of the Hickory Ridge History Museum, which you can tour before the show if you’d like. Tickets from $20.
Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show | July 25 – 30 and August 2 – 6
Get tickets to the exciting hunter/jumper portion of this longtime equestrian competition. The event includes a curated selection of vendors selling concessions, art, gifts, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items. Tickets from $10; children under 12 are free.
An Appalachian Summer Festival | July 29
An Appalachian Summer Festival is App State’s longtime celebration of the arts, featuring an eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre and visual arts at different venues across the campus. This year’s headliner event will be Darius Rucker live at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Tickets from $35. See the complete App Summer Festival schedule here.
16th Annual High Country Beer Fest | August 26
This annual event at the High Country Fairgrounds is for ages 21 and up and features beer tastings from 42 breweries, live music, delicious food and free fermentation seminars. Tickets are $50 and include everything but food. Tip: Graystone Lodge is a sponsor for the High Country Beer Fest and we are offering a 15% discount for participants. Book here!