Events
Calendar of Annual Community Events & Highlights
Summer
Summer
- Memorial Day Art on the Greene - Browse and shop the art festival on the lawn at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School during Memorial Day weekend.
- Avery County Farmer's Market - Shop for fresh local produce and goods at this weekly market held Thursday afternoons during the warmer months on the lawn at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School.
- Grandfather Mountain's Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble - See the Rhododendron blooms with guided hikes on Grandfather mountain the first two weeks of June.
- Singing on the Mountain - Hear traditional gospel music at this famous gathering on the fourth Sunday of June at the base of Grandfather Mountain.
- Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival - Enjoy the beautiful wild rhododendrons in bloom at Roan Mountain State Park on the third weekend in June.
- Blood Sweat and Gears Road Cycling Race - Held near the end of June in Valle Crucis to Banner Elk
Summer Events Sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber
- Banner Elk Concerts in the Park - Enjoy a free concert in the Tate-Evans Park every Thursday evening in the summer. Musical styles include rock-n-roll, oldies, southern rock, big band and more.
- Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park- Enjoy an outstanding small town parade every year starting at 11 a.m. down Main Street in Banner Elk followed by a fun festival including food, music, games and the Great Duck Race.
- Art on the Greene July 4th Weekend - Browse and shop the art festival on the lawn at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School on the 4th of July weekend.
- Grandfather Highland Games - Don't miss these four memorable days of Scottish heritage fun and traditions at Grandfather Mountain in early July.
- Avery County Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festivals - Two shows are held annually (mid-July and mid-August) at Sugar Mountain.
- Labor Day Weekend Art on the Greene - Browse and shop the art festival on the lawn at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School over the Labor Day weekend.
- Ensemble Stage Theatre - Catch a show from this professional theater company offering year-round performances in the Cultural Arts Center in the Banner Elk Historic School; they also offer kids shows and camps.
- Lees-McRae Summer Theatre - Watch Lees-McRae College's accomplished theatre group deliver top-notch performances with three professional shows every summer.
Fall
- Beech Mountain Mile-High Kite Festival - Go fly a kite on top of the world in mid-September.
- Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort- Polka all weekend-long family-friendly festival with food, crafts, live music, and lift rides held near the beginning of October.
- Woolly Worm Festival - Join us in downtown Banner Elk for "worm" racing with woolly bear caterpillars, live music, food vendors, crafts and a kids corner; held on the 3rd Weekend in October.
- Valle Country Fair - Stroll arts and crafts and chow down on country cooking and music on the 3rd Weekend in October down the road in Valle Crucis.
- Trunk or Treat - Banner Elk's Halloween Extravaganza is held on October 31st every year at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School.
- Late November - Snow sports open at Ski Sugar, Beech Mountain, Hawksnest (tubing), and Appalachian Ski Mountain.
Winter
- SugarFest on Sugar Mountain- Ski clinics, demos, live music, fireworks, and fun kick off the winter ski season at Sugar Mountain.
Winter Events Sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber
A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk - A weekend of Christmas fun to start off your holiday season right! Choose and cut your Christmas tree at local farms, make ornaments, meet Santa and get in holiday mood with Banner Elk's Parade of Lights and train rides in the park. Sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce.
- New Year's Eve Celebrations - Festive fun to ring in the New Year may be found at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain; local restaurants such as those at The Village of Banner Elk typically offer events as well.
- Retro 80s Weekend - Don't miss this totally awesome time at Beech Mountain Resort!
Spring
- March Madness - SkiSugar Resort offers March discounts for skiing, skating, tubing and more.
Spring Events Sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber
Banner Elk Easter Egg Hunt - Meet the Easter Bunny, make Easter crafts, and hunt for colorful eggs on Saturday the weekend before Easter. Sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce.
