April 16, 2021 On April 22 at 6:30 pm, in partnership with the Watauga County Public Library, Working Films and Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Department, a film screening and discussion event sponsored by North Carolina Humanities and titled “Revisioning Recovery: Uncovering the Roots of Disaster” will take place. The program features a collection of five short films that tell environmental disaster recovery stories and examine historical inequities that worsen when disasters hit. This free event will also include an interactive post-screening discussion. / Read more…

April 14, 2021. Watauga County Parks & Recreation is holding tours of the Watauga Community Recreation Center where the public can see what the new facility has to offer.The recreation center is a 100,000 square foot facility featuring a six-lane competition pool with a climbing wall, a leisure pool with a 20-foot slide, four multi-use gym courts, a fitness center with weights and exercise rooms, birthday party rooms, fitness classrooms, event space and an elevated jogging track. Available dates for the tours include April 15, 18 and 20. Each day has two start times for the tours: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The tours are free, but there is a limit of 20 people per group, and masks are required to participate. Interested people can call WCP&R on weekdays between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to reserve a spot. By Harley Nefe / Read more…

April 12, 2021 The Wilkes Heritage Museum will host Candlelight Ghost Tours in Historic Downtown Wilkesboro on Saturday, April 17. Ghost tours are 90 minute walking tours that begin at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The tours are led by costumed guides and cost $10 per person. Reservations for Ghost Tours are required and have a limit of 15 people total per tour. All participants are required to wear a face mask and maintain appropriate social distancing. Highlights of the tour include the Old Wilkes Jail, Cleveland Cabin, and Tory Oak Site. Learn all about the hauntings and history of Historic Downtown Wilkesboro. Additional dates for the 2021 Candlelight Ghost Tour season include May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 11, October 29 and October 30. / Read more…

April 12, 2021 Festivalgoers and music fans worldwide will be delighted to know that MerleFest, presented by Window World, will officially reconvene September 16-19, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest, dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the gold standard for bluegrass, Americana, and string music festivals,” is normally held the last weekend of April, but the 2020 festival was canceled due to public safety concerns amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Officials stressed that this would be a one-time-only move to this fall, and they plan to return to the traditional April weekend in 2022. / Read more…

April 7, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many organizations to have to cancel their events due to safety regulations, and for nonprofit groups especially, these cancelled events included major fundraisers. W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc. has had to postpone their largest annual fundraiser, Brunch and Bubbly, for the second year, which is starting to have a huge impact on funding. Therefore, W.A.M.Y. personnel put their heads together and came up with a fanciful, fun way to raise money and gain more local support from the community. Many people are tired of being stuck at home working remotely and are longing for things to be normal again — like going out and about, attending in-person events, seeing loved ones and traveling. So, W.A.M.Y. developed a creative, non-event idea to do just that — to travel Around the World in One Day. And the best part is passengers will not have to stress about packing and leaving their house. They can book their seat on their comfiest couch, recliner or rocker at home and see the world virtually. W.A.M.Y. is inviting everyone to grab their passports and join in on the adventure with the whimsical fundraiser on April 20. By Harley Nefe / Read more…

April 7, 2021 The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games had to cancel last year’s annual tradition for the first time since the games started in 1956. This year, thanks to COVID-19 vaccinations and smaller numbers of infections, the Highland Games will fire right back with as much normalcy as possible. “We are excited to announce plans to be back on Grandfather Mountain the second weekend in July and get back to all the great traditions of this Scottish gathering-from a variety of music to highland dancing and Scottish athletic events,” Stephen G. Quillin, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games President, said. “We’ll welcome more than a hundred Scottish clan associations and their members as well as honored and distinguished guests from Scotland while offering everyone in attendance the opportunity to be immersed in traditions and activities as old as the Scottish Highlands.” The games are scheduled for July 8-12 at MacRae Meadows in Linville. All attendees are strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending the games. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 5, 2021 April 4-10, 2021 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Welcome to your library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services, whether in person or virtually. Celebrating, supporting and funding libraries has become even more important during this pandemic.
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April 5, 2021 Potters, get to your wheels. Empty Bowls is Back! The 

Watauga Arts Council is teaming up with the Watauga High School Art Department and the Hunger and Health Coalition to host Empty Bowls*. Empty Bowls is an annual fundraising event organized by the High School art department. Proceeds of Empty Bowls go to the Hunger and Health Coalition – a large-scale local food pantry serving High Country residents who struggle with food insecurity.

 For the first time since its inception in 2001, Watauga High School Empty Bowls had to be canceled in 2020. “Because of the prolonged nature of the pandemic, an event at the high school was not plausible and we were searching for possibilities to continue with the spirit of the event”, says Brett McDonough, High School Ceramics Teacher. “Our event is built 100% on donations from generous local potters, restaurant owners, and artists. We were sensitive to even ask for donations due to the challenges many have faced this year. So, when Amber, the Director of the Watauga County Arts Council, reached out offering to help we were thrilled”, shares Dacia Trethewey, Watauga High School art teacher. / Read more…

April 5, 2021 Country star and former App State student Luke Combs announced on social media today that his stadium show at The Rock has been postponed because of North Carolina restrictions. Combs’s Kidd Brewer Stadium performance was originally scheduled for May 2, 2020 and was moved to May 1, 2021 due to COVID-19. The concert has now been rescheduled, once again, and the new date has not been released yet. His Facebook post read, “I’m sorry y’all, but due to North Carolina restrictions, we’re not able to have the show in Boone, NC just yet. So, the show scheduled for May 1, 2021 is being postponed. The new date is TBD, but all original tickets will be valid, so hold on to them and we’ll let y’all know the new date real soon. Keep an eye on your email and my social media.” By Harley Nefe / Read more…

April 1, 2021 “Cured,” a multiple award-wining documentary film illuminating the pivotal but largely unknown chapter in the struggle for LGBT equality, will be screened online prior to its upcoming broadcast on PBS by the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 18. This free online event is part of the popular BOONE DOCS film series and the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. Co-Producers and Co-Directors Patrick Sammon and Bennett Singer will take part in a post-screening discussion along with the Reverend Magora Kennedy, one of the film’s storytellers, moderated by John Cunningham and Roddy Williams of the National AIDS Memorial. Tickets for both events are available at no cost to participants on the theatre’s website at www.apptheatre.org.  / Read more…

March 30, 2021 Carlton Gallery is starting to prepare for its upcoming painting workshops that begin on May 25. There are many different types of classes including Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor-Gouache, Mixed Media Painting along with Drawing Workshops. People can surely find something they want to try. These workshops give participants an opportunity to be out again and to be a part of something by using creativity as an emotional outlet for all the things everybody has been through in the last year or so. These classes are designed to inspire and lift spirits while highlighting everyone’s creativity. / Read more…

March 16, 2021. Across-the-Way Productions, Inc. invites patrons to embark on an ‘Odyssey’ to celebrate FloydFest 21, the latest annual offering of the Southeast’s premier summer outdoor music festival, taking place Wednesday to Sunday, July 21 to 25, 2021, at Milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Va.  Across-the-Way Productions released its Covid Safety Plan. A portion of the plan includes a decision by Across-the-Way Productions to voluntarily reduce the amount of tickets sold to FloydFest 21~Odyssey, as a proactive measure to ensure that the festival is safe for all attendees. The plan also features a detailed list of vetted Covid protocols and precautions, the intention to hire a ‘Covid Czar’ to serve as point-person for the protocols and precautions and the unveiling of the FloydFest.com webpage dedicated to disseminating crucial, need-to-know information. / Read more…

March 24, 2021 The Watauga Arts Council announces a partnership exhibit with Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. From March 18th – April 10th, 2021, the King Street Art Collective will exhibit Maggie Flanigan’s photography in a show entitled, “Our Eyes are Bigger than our Stomachs and Other Gluttonous Illusions.” The Watauga Art Council’s Gallery Committee chose artist Maggie Flanigan from a list of photographers who originated from the 18th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition hosted by the Turchin Center at ASU. The Arts Council wanted to feature photography in March and asked the Turchin Center if they would like to collaborate by offering a list of photographers from their competition who could provide an intriguing solo exhibit. The Turchin Center was happy to work together on a complimentary show. / Read more…

March 16, 2021. Horn in the West, Boone’s exciting summer outdoor drama produced by the Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA), is preparing for its historic 69th season by holding auditions and interviews for actors, singers, dancers, technicians, and crowd scene members.  This year, there is a choice of in-person auditions, held on March 27th at Northwestern Dance Studios, and electronic submissions.  People who want to be a part of the fun crowd scenes do not need to audition, only interview. “Last year, we had to make the heart-breaking decision to postpone our 2020 season to 2021,” states SAHA’s Operations Manager, Marrena Greer.  “Horn in the West has been a Boone as well as a North Carolina tradition since 1952, never having missed a season until 2020.  This year, we are excited to be returning better than ever.” / Read more…

March 22, 2021. On Sunday, March 28th, 2021 Watauga County Parks and Recreation will host the Bunny Trail Parade at the new Watauga Community Recreation Center parking lot. This parade, like the Halloween & Christmas parade events, will be a drive-thru only event. Parade viewers will drive into the WCRC parking lot and through the lot to see the parade exhibitors and floats. The Bunny Trail Parade will be open from 2 p.m. till 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 28th. Traffic flow from State Farm Road will be directed courtesy of the Boone Police Department. Incoming traffic will be limited to right-hand only turns from the Deerfield Road side. / Read more…

March 18, 2021. Anglers of all ages and levels are invited to compete for cash and prizes at the 41st Blowing Rock Trout Derby! The Derby will take place in Blowing Rock on Saturday, April 3, from sunrise to 4:00pm.  No entry fees or pre-registration are required. This event has celebrated the opening of trout season for four decades now, encouraging families to get out together to enjoy the great outdoors. From Price Lake to the Middle Fork River, there are lots of places in Watauga County to fish for eligible entries. Kids especially are invited to fish right in Blowing Rock at Broyhill Park, where fishing licenses aren’t required. Mayview Lake is fairly small, so the areas around the lake in Broyhill Park will be sectioned off to assist with social distancing this year. / Read more…

March 17, 2021. A partnership between Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, and Virtual Blue Ridge, the AMPC celebrates the unique people, places, and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians. Attracting entries from across the United States, the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition has grown into one the region’s most prestigious photography competitions with over 800 submissions this year. The AMPC is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Mast General Store, who are providing gift certificates for each category winner.  On Saturday March 20th 2021 at 6:00pm, AMPC organizers will live stream the awards ceremony which will feature perspectives from the jurors this year, Eric Heistand and Shauna Caldwell. / Read more…

March 17, 2021 The 4th annual AppKIDS Superhero 5K will be virtual for 2021. Register to run, walk, or fly between March 27, 2021, to April 10, 2021. The event benefits the Appalachian Kindness In Donations and Service (AppKIDS) program. Organized by a Staff Senate committee, AppKIDS is an annual shopping event for 100 underprivileged children, K – 12, from Watauga County Schools to provide them with Winter clothing, hygiene, and snack food items. Appalachian faculty and staff, using donated funds, volunteer their time to mentor and guide these children on AppKIDS Day. / Read more…

March 17, 2021. The Schaefer Center Presents (SCP) virtual performing arts series, presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, will showcase the university’s Dept. of Theatre and Dance in Best of the Appalachian Dance Ensemble Thursday, March 25 at 8pm, the final event of the SCP spring season. This virtual best-of program will feature nine previously recorded works from faculty choreographers danced by App State student performers. All curated works were produced and presented between 2011-2019 and highlight the genres of modern dance, tap dance, dance of the African diaspora, and dance theatre. Run time is 75 minutes. The event is free, but registration is required. / Read more…

March 11, 2021. Spring is on its way, which means Easter will be here soon. To celebrate, Watauga County Parks and Recreation will be hosting a drive-thru Bunny Trail Parade on Sunday, March 28. This event is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Watauga Community Recreation Center parking lot, located at 231 Complex Drive in Boone. Families will be able to enjoy the festive event from the comfort and care of their cars as they follow a route to experience the different exhibits of parade floats and entertainers who will be set up in the parking lot for cars to drive by and see. This event comes after an immensely popular Halloween drive-thru trunk or treat event and a drive-thru Christmas parade that were also presented by Watauga County Parks and Recreation. Watauga County Parks and Recreation is currently seeking individuals, groups, businesses, churches and departments to fill the parking lot with parade vehicles, displays and entertainers. All parade exhibits will be stationary, and prizes will be awarded for the best displays. Vendors are also welcome to offer candy and/or prizes to the parade viewers. There is no fee to register as a vendor. By Harley Nefe / Read more…

March 11, 2021 The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) will open a captivating exhibition on March 20th, guest curated by prominent collectors of contemporary photography Carlos Garcia-Velez, Allen Thomas, and Former Director of The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), Larry Wheeler. The exhibition, on view through August 21, features works from the prestigious North Carolina private collections of Carlos Garcia-Velez, Allen Thomas, Larry Wheeler, as well as Hedy Fischer and Randy Schull, and Chandra and Jimmie Johnson. TRANSFORMATION is an impressive statewide collaborative effort presenting some of the most significant contemporary photographs of our time, as well as several important works from NCMA’s permanent collection.  / Read more…

March 9, 2021 Grandfather Mountain is taking outdoor fun to new heights with its 2021 calendar of events. With a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, the nonprofit nature park and its staff are readying for a safe and eventful year. “At Grandfather Mountain, we like to bridge outdoor fun with education,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Linville, N.C., nature park. “Our 2021 slate of events offers folks mountains of opportunities to have fun while exploring our unique classroom in the clouds.” / Read more…

March 9, 2021 Organizers of the 18th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition are excited to announce the competition begins its exhibition from March 5th – June 5th, 2021.  A partnership between Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, and Virtual Blue Ridge, the AMPC celebrates the unique people, places, and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians. Attracting entries from across the United States, the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition has grown into one the region’s most prestigious photography competitions with over 800 submissions this year. The AMPC is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Mast General Store, who are providing gift certificates for each category winner.  / Read more…

March 8, 2021. The Mayer Gallery at the Turchin Center features a towering wall of windows that fronts King Street. While the Turchin Center has been closed to the public during the global pandemic, those who have passed by and peeked in the windows, will have noticed that the art inside the gallery has been changing. In March 2020, artist Lisa Marushak’s undulating silk banners were suspended from the ceiling, then were replaced by bejeweled chandeliers, chairs and objects, by artist Esperanza Cortés. The gallery changed again recently and now contains an architect’s representation of three rowhouse blocks from Philadelphia. While this gallery is the only one visible to the outside, the other gallery exhibitions in the Turchin Center have also been rotating. With the progression of vaccinations in the community, the staff of the Turchin Center are working to develop a timeline for the public re-opening of the facility, in a way that ensures the health and safety of all. In the meantime, access to the Turchin galleries and programs are offered through a fresh new website / Read more…

February 17, 2021 The Schaefer Center Presents (SCP) virtual performing arts series, presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, features one of the country’s most celebrated contemporary dance companies, BalletX, Thursday, Feb. 25 at 8pm. This specially curated broadcast of Philadelphia’s premier ballet company includes an introduction by BalletX co-founder Christine Cox, the BalletX 15th Anniversary Season documentary film, and two of the company’s popular mixed rep selections, “Increasing” and “Fancy Me.” The documentary was commissioned from filmmaker Daniel Madoff, and highlights the company’s growth, trajectory and continued commitment to redefining ballet in the 21st century. The SCP virtual event is free, but registration is required. / Read more…

February 15, 2021 The award-winning film “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story,” will be offered free of charge at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16 through a first-time collaboration between the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, the University Forum Lecture Series, and the University College at Appalachian State University. The 60 minute documentary about the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail will be followed by a live question and answer session with filmmaker and producer Bette Lou Higgins. Links for both BOONE DOCS events are available at no cost to participants on the theatre’s website at www.apptheatre.org. / Read more…

February 12, 2021 The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) introduces a compelling series of  exhibitions on view this Spring 2021, including highlights from the Carol and Shelton Gorelick Pottery Collection, “Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual: Traditional and Innovation,” “Drawing from Life: Ben Long & Tony Griffin,” “Blue Ridge Conservancy: Place Matters,” and the “Small and Mighty Acts Altar for Black Lives.” With a wide spectrum of narratives surrounding North Carolina’s rich heritage, BRAHM offers a compelling array of exhibitions, embracing the unique histories of our mountain town.  / Read more…

February 10, 2021 Watauga Arts Council invites you to visit their latest gallery exhibit at the King Street Art Collective, their gallery and art facility in Downtown Boone. The art show will take place from February 12 through March 7. In the spirit of the Valentines season, the collection focuses on life, love and connection. They depict these special bonds through a variety of subjects and art forms including oil on canvas, acrylic on paper on panel, mixed media with collage, watercolor, soapstone, limestone, marble, steele, photography and video graphics. This show puts the spotlight on local artistic couples whose biographies will describe the partners’ connection to their work and each other. Watauga Arts also asked individual Artists to submit work that elicited feelings of love, or represented life, love, and connection / Read more…

February 2, 2021 Following the success of its newly-created virtual stage and a fall slate of unique production opportunities for its talented students, the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance is announcing a half-dozen additional events for the 2021 spring semester. The slate of productions includes two that are being presented in collaboration with the Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, the world premiere of a new work written and directed by faculty member Dr. Ray Miller, and a children’s play produced by the award-winning Appalachian Young People’s Theatre. Additional offerings showcase the work of student directors and the first production of an unpublished play by groundbreaking Black playwright Chisa Hutchinson. The performances are scheduled between February and May 2021 with ticket information available on the department’s website. / Read more…

January 22, 2021 Blowing Rock WinterFest was created to celebrate the the fun side of a chilly, sleepy season. As we all look for ways to enjoy the outdoors and find little things to celebrate in 2021, WinterFest invites everyone to do just that! Though the festival will look different from any of its prior presentations, there will still be plenty to enjoy from Thursday, January 28 through Sunday, January 31. “This year, we modified WinterFest to still have aspects of our favorite events without large gatherings,” says Suzy Barker, festival coordinator. “For example, WinterFeast, A Restaurant Crawl and the Chili Challenge are taking place at individual restaurants to spread out attendance. WinterFest is all about celebrating the fun side of winter and that spirit is still present at this year’s festival with ice sculptures, fun activities, and delicious winter treats!” / Read more…

January 26, 2021 Join the Jones House and the Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians for a free virtual sing-along! In lieu of in-person group classes, The Jones House will be hosting a number of virtual sing- along workshops, or “Zoom-Alongs,” throughout the spring semester. These free events will take place on the Zoom video conferencing application. Some of the best local music instructors will discuss, demonstrate, and perform a select number of classic bluegrass and old time songs from the JAM Songbook. Lyrics and chords will be available to view on the Jones House website during the event so everyone can sing and play along at home. “This is a great, low pressure way to practice your instrument and singing skills alone or with other family members in your household,” says Town of Boone Cultural Resources Coordinator Brandon Holder. / Read more…

January 22, 2021 Hickory Museum of Art’s exhibition “Works by Warhol” will bring 36 iconic masterworks by one of America’s most prominent artists to Hickory Museum of Art. The exhibition will raise the museum’s profile while affording opportunities to connect with audiences of all ages. The museum’s staff is pleased to partner with Imagine One Hospitality as the presenting sponsor for this important project, which will be accompanied by a Studio54 themed gala. This special event will occur at a time when it is safe for our community to come together and celebrate Andy Warhol’s pioneering creative spirit. / Read more…

January 22, 2021 An all-free lineup of music, dance, and powerful storytelling theatre goes virtual February 4-March 25 with Dr. Jane Goodall, and the spring series offers an equally diverse lineup: award-winning playwright and actor Anna Deavere Smith, the best in contemporary dance by the renowned BalletX, the Steep Canyon Rangers in a live streamed concert from the stage of the Schaefer Center, and a “best of” showcase by the Appalachian Dance Ensemble, featuring works by distinguished faculty choreographers in the Department of Theatre and Dance. A companion series of free virtual events for K-12 schools and families across our region is also being offered throughout the spring by the APPlause! K-12 Performing Arts Series. / Read more…

December 23, 2020 With Christmas coming just around the corner, folks can take a break from all the last minute gift shopping and remember the reason for the season. With many local churches offering special services that are open to the community, there are more ways than one for people to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Here is a list of local churches in the High Country with the times of their services and in what format they are being offered including necessary links. By Harley Nefe / Read more…

December 16, 2020 For the past 23 years, presenting “An Appalachian Christmas” in mid-December has become a holiday tradition for Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music as a way to raise money for two worthwhile community non-profit organizations known for helping those less fortunate. But in the final month of a year unlike any other in our lifetimes, the Covid-19 pandemic affords JSMHM an opportunity to try something a little different in 2020 in order to keep this tradition alive. This year JSMHM is presenting a “Virtual Appalachian Christmas Card Concert”. This on-line event will go live on Thursday, December 17th and will feature a variety of music videos on the JSMHM YouTube channel by some of the best loved local and regional musicians that have graced the JSMHM stage over the years. As always, all monies donated will be split between the Hospitality House and Santa’s Toy Box. / Read more…