The Top 16 2023 Events Happening in Boone, NC

It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic vacation spot than Boone, North Carolina. Among its many selling points are an adorable downtown strip, lots of amazing places to stay, access to the Great Outdoors, and leisure activities galore for the entire family. There is an abundance of special events taking place this year, let’s help you find the perfect event for you. Whether you love skiing and snowboarding, a good art gallery, or simply cuddling up in a rustic cabin, you’ll find it here. But while there’s no bad time to come to Boone, some times of year are more fun than others.

Check out the following list to make sure you hit this charming resort town at the right time:

1. International Fly Fishing Film Festival

Love fly fishing? You won’t want to miss the International Fly Fishing Film Festival taking place on Friday, April 21^st from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. It’s an event that brings the love of both visual media and angling together for an amazing evening of fishy appreciation. The entrance fee is only $10 and features both short and feature-length films produced by people all over the world. Make your way over to the Appalachian Theatre of High Country, for this awesome event.

2. First Friday Art Crawl

Who doesn’t love First Friday? Happily, Downtown Boone comes together every month, February through December, to help you celebrate it in style. The art crawl features exhibits and wine at a number of shops and restaurants. You can stop at the Mazie Jones Gallery in the Jones House Community Center, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King Street, and more.

3. May Flowers Hiking Series

If there’s anything folks love more than art, it’s wildflowers. A seasonal joy that never fails to lift hearts, wildflowers adorn the slopes of this town’s beautiful countryside. They’re especially vibrant in May when Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation hosts wildflower hikes starting at Emerald Outback Mountain Bike Trails. Partake in this wildflower hunt every Friday of the week from May 5^th to May 19^th at 10:00 AM.

4. Makers Market

Craft markets are fun for all, from the littlest bean to the most venerable grandparent. The Makers Market in Boone is no exception. Held the first Saturday of the month from May through September between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It’s an excellent place to take a gander at the work of local artists from all over the region. Vendors are guaranteed to be high-quality, too, since they’re required to apply to the market. Come with your wallet open!

5. Fairgrounds Craft Show

Need more art? The Fairgrounds Craft Show on May 13^th has you covered. From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the Boone Fairgrounds, you’ll enjoy live music, food truck fare, and local art galore. Admission is free, so you don’t have to pay for the privilege. Plus, it’s Mother’s Day Eve, so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some spring weather with loved ones.

6. 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race

It’s NASCAR’s 75^th season, can you believe it? The cult racing phenomenon is still going strong and will prove it at the 2023 All-Star Race hosted by the NASCAR Cup Series. Come to North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21^st at 7:00 PM for all things race-related.

7. High Country Jazz Festival

Love jazz? There’s nothing better than the second annual High Country Jazz Festival to get you your fix. Some of the performances will take place at the historic Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, while others are happening around town at all times of day and night. Join in on the fun starting Friday, June 9^th through Sunday, June 11^th.

8. Boonerang Festival Kick-Off & Boonerang Music & Arts Festival

The Boonerang Music and Arts Festival is a free event this June, taking over Downtown Boone with an abundance of music, arts, food, and fun. Shops, restaurants, and breweries will all peddle their wares, while artists and performers will keep visitors entertained. June 15^th and 16^th feature evening performances, and June 17^th is an all-day affair with multiple stages.

 

9. Boone Gran Fondo Cycling Event

If cycling and scenery are your ideal combination, then you won’t want to miss the Boone Gran Fondo Cycling Event on August 6^th at 8:00 AM. You can choose from three different routes spanning distances of 25, 54, and 94 miles to meet your comfort levels.

10. 16^th Annual High Country Beer Fest

Beer lover? Then you can’t miss the High Country Beer Fest. A beloved annual tradition that’s been running for more than 15 years. General admission is $50, but it’s totally worth it to learn all about the art and craft of brewing, with plenty of free samples to keep you going. The event takes place on August 26^th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

11. Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort

If you missed the previous event – held in August – then you get another chance to enjoy beer drinking on October 14^th and 15^th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Oktoberfest takes place at the lovely Sugar Mountain Resort, cloaked in traditional Bavarian garb just like many of its participants. Rain or shine, be there or be … sadly short on beer!

12. Valle Country Fair

A good old country fair is what we all need sometimes. This one takes place on October 21^st, off Highway 194, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM with free admission. You will have to pay for parking, but it’s worth it for the lovely views of the bright North Carolina mountains in the fall. Plus, the harvest atmosphere couldn’t be more fun, with homemade food, crafts galore, and the tunes of old-fashioned Appalachia ringing in your ears.

13. Woolly Worm Festival

Everyone loves those cute little red and black caterpillars known as woolly worms. That’s why Boone has a whole festival built around them on October 21^st and 22^nd from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There’s even a woolly worm race on the final day. The first prize for the winning worm is $1,000 … but you have to bring your own contestant!

14. The Horton Hotel NYE Ball Drop

Winter Wonderland fans will be delighted to know that they can make their holiday trip even more fun with a ball drop at the Horton Hotel on New Year’s Eve. So in addition to your ski gear, make sure to pack something nice.

15. Good Fields – An Appalachian Food and Farms Festival

Love all things farming? Then you’ll enjoy this festival. It is the perfect way to celebrate the turning of spring to summer in the mountains. Hosted by Shipley Farms at their lovely estate, you can enjoy culinary delights from the region’s finest chefs for the first time ever this year. The festival will take place on June 24^th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

16. Boone 4th of July Parade

For a truly all-American time, come check out the 4^th of July parade in Boone. Running straight through Downtown Boone, you’ll have a great view and access to all the shops and storefronts that make this area of town so special. Enjoy traditional foods such as cake, watermelon, and lemonade to boot!

As you can see, there’s something for everyone in Boone. Choose your own adventure when you visit today!