When summer heats up and the daily routine can become mundane, a mountain getaway with cooler temps, outdoor adventures, and fun-filled events is everything you need to escape the summer rut.

The High Country offers endless things to do and countless reasons to visit Boone this summer! The area is also known for its many summer events for people of all ages.

Since there are so many events to choose from, we compiled a list of our top 5 favorite summer events from July – August. These events are guaranteed to help you “soak up” some sunny summer memories with a grand ole’ time!  And if you need more incentive to visit Boone this summer, Graystone Lodge has an incredible offer – Stay 3 Nights and Save 20 percent all summer long!

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!

#1: 4th of July in the High Country
Image of a Dad with Daughter on shoulders watching fireworks at the Sugar Mountain Summit and Crawl Fireworks Show

Sugar Mountain Summit Crawl & Fireworks
Date & Time: July 4th 9am – 10pm, Fireworks around 9pm/9:15pm
Location: 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Banner Elk
Price: Lift tickets for fireworks are available for purchase until 8:30pm
About:  Start the morning with a challenge of hiking up to Sugar Mountain’s 5,300-foot peak! Enjoy food, beverages, and a live performance from The Rockabilly’s from 10am – 1pm.  Classic Highway will perform at the base lodge from 6pm – 9pm. After a day of entertainment, don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display on top of the mountain. The Summit Express chairlift operates from 10am – 10pm for the mountain-top fireworks viewing.

Tweetsie Railroad Fireworks’ Extravaganza
Date & Time: July 4th 10am – 9pm Park Hours, Fireworks at 9:30pm
Location: Tweetsie Railroad at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock
Price: $60 for ages 13+; $40 for ages 3 – 12, free for ages 0 – 2
About: Families will love everything Tweetsie Railroad has to offer, from the Wild West Train Adventure, live interactive shows, amusement rides, Deer Park Zoo, and panning for gold. After a day of joy, celebrate Tweetsie Railroad’s Anniversary with the largest fireworks show in the High Country.

Downtown Boone Parade
Date & Time: July 4th 11am
Location: Downtown Boone at King Street/Jones House Cultural Center at 604 West King St.
Price: Free
About: Get into the patriotic spirit with Boone’s annual parade featuring festive floats, music and performers! Find a spot on King Street in Downtown Boone and stop by the Jones House Cultural Center after the parade for free watermelon, cake and lemonade.

Town of Boone Fireworks
Date & Time: July 4th Dusk
Location: Clawson-Burnley Park at 355 M.L.K. St.
Price: Free
About: When the sun goes down, enjoy the Town of Boone annual fireworks display at Clawson-Burnley Park at the Boone Greenway. 

Beech Mountain July 4th Crawfish Boil with Adam Church
Date & Time: July 4th 12pm – 4pm
Location: Beech Mountain Brewing Co. at 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain
Price: Event is free; Crawfish Boil – $45 each
About: Enjoy a day of live music from the Adam Church Band, a Crawfish Boil, food trucks, and fun for all ages. Kids can also enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and more!

Blowing Rock Parade & Festival
Date & Time: July 6th at 10am
Location: Downtown Blowing Rock at 132 Park Ave., Blowing Rock
Price: Free
About: Celebrate Independence Day with an entertaining parade full of musicians, floats, a patriotic procession, and more!

Beech Mountain Independence Day Celebration with Live Music and Fireworks
Date & Time: July 6th 12pm – 9pm
Location: Beech Mountain Brewing Co. at 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain
Price: Event is free; Food available for purchase
About: Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in true American fashion with a cookout that will have all your favorite dishes and more. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. and go until 9 p.m., featuring live performances by If Birds Could Fly and DJ Pete Welter. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening with activities for the kids like inflatables, face painting, and crafts. Quench your thirst with brews and wines from Beech Mountain Brewing Co. The night sky will light up with fireworks at dusk, making for a stunning end to the celebration of freedom.

#2: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games: July 11 – 14
Image of Bagpipers playing during The Highland Games

Photo credit: The Highland Games

Location: MacRae Meadows – Blowing Rock Highway, Linville (Near Grandfather Mountain)
Price: Prices vary based on events; visit website for ticket information
About: If you’re a fan of the beautiful sound of bagpipes, Celtic music, and competitive games with incredible athletes, this event is for you! The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans, held in MacRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain, offers 4 full days of activities perfect for any age. Graystone Lodge is one of the hotels near Grandfather Mountain, conveniently located 15 miles from the fairgrounds. General parking passes are not available, so plan in advance to use one of their multiple shuttle bus lots.

#3: Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest: July 19 – 20
Image of band from Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest

Photo credit: Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest

Location: Historic Cove Creek School at 207 Dale Adams Road, Sugar Grove
Price: Prices vary; visit website for ticket information
About: This festival celebrates American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music, Doc Watson, who started his career in Boone. Enjoy live performances from local, regional and nationally acclaimed musicians, food, and local arts and crafts at the festival grounds. The Doc and Merle Watson Folk Art Museum will also be open during the festival.

#4: Brad Paisley: July 27
Image of Brad Paisley

Photo credit: Jim Shea

Time: 7pm
Location: Kidd Brewer Stadium at 270 Stadium Drive, Boone
Price: Prices vary; visit website for ticket information
About: Don’t miss out on the chance to see the legendary country star, Brad Paisley, live in Boone on his Son of the Mountains tour! For more than 20 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him many awards. As the headlining act and final show of An Appalachian Summer Festival, this grand finally is one that should not be missed.

#5: High Country Beer Fest: Aug. 24

Photo credit: High Country Beer Fest

Time: 3pm – 8pm (2pm: early arrival for VIP passes)
Location: High Country Fairgrounds at 748 Roby Greene Rd, Boone
Price: $50 General Admission Tickets – this is a 100% non-profit event that benefits the ASU Fermentation Sciences and other local non-profit organizations.
About: If you’re a beer lover, this is a ‘can’t miss’ event! Experience a huge variety of high-quality craft beer, ciders and other brews from around the region and the world! Sample beers from more than 40 breweries, while enjoying live music and free fermentation seminars. High Country Beer Fest is a 21-and-up event so leave your kids at home and enjoy a fun weekend with friends while tasting some amazing craft beers.

****************************************************************************************************************************

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Graystone Lodge is just a few minutes from downtown Boone and Appalachian State University. We offer spacious accommodations for families, couples, and friends, including adjoining rooms, a family bunk bed suite, a king suite with a peloton, and more.

If you prefer a more low-key weekend, we have you covered! Make a splash at our indoor pool or cozy up to our outdoor fire pit on a cool summer night.

Book your getaway at Graystone Lodge and enjoy everything the High Country has to offer this summer!

BOOK YOUR ROOM