Weekend Roundup: Things to Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out and Make Plans Aug 2 – Aug 4

Compiled by Madison V. Fisler

Aug. 2, 2013. The High Country has so many exciting events to offer its community and visitors, especially in the summer months. Check our site every Friday for something new and exciting to look forward to while you’re watching the hour hand crawl to 5 o’clock. Find live music down the street, explore a nearby town’s local secrets or try out a new square dancing class. There’s always something fun to do in the High Country.

All Weekend

High Country Farm Tour: On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4 from 2-6 p.m. High Country residents and visitors will get the unique chance to really see and experience where their food comes from at the High Country Farm Tour. During this event, which is hosted by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, guests will get a chance to meet the local area farmers and see the farms where local food is grown year round. For more information, click here

Blue Bear Music Fest at Blue Bear Campground in Todd: The gates open at noon on Friday, Aug 2 with the first band taking the stage at 1:15 p.m.  The event takes place at the Blue Bear Mountain Campground in Todd, NC. Tickets are $35 for a Friday pass, $45 for a Saturday pass and $75 a weekend pass.  For more ticket information and to purchase camping passes which includes a two day festival pass, call 828-406-4226 or visit the festival’s website.

Tax Free Weekend: Back to school shopping made easier with tax holiday on certain back to school items.

90th Annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show: Over two, six-day shows, visitors will get an opportunity to watch some of today’s top competing horses and riders from around the world. These beautiful horses will be competing at the peak of their physical ability. The competition will occur in two arenas for most of the show, ensuring plenty to see. Visitors are allowed to walk the grounds during the show. Here you can watch horses being exercised; riders and horses practicing in multiple practice rings; and horses getting washed, groomed, and their manes and tails braided. Wandering through the seventeen barns is a unique experience as each competing barn recreates a “home away from home” bringing potted plants, flowers, furniture, and tents with their barn colors. There is something for every horse lover to enjoy, whether it is the grace and beauty of the hunter classes or the power and speed of the show jumpers.

7th Annual Blowing Rock Art and Antiques Show: Vendors from across the East Coast will bring a variety of items, such as porcelain, fine and folk art, antique furniture, jewelry, silver and more. Additional highlights will include the BRAHM Tea Room, featuring a variety of homemade desserts, coffee, and tea, which will be open in the Community Meeting Room from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Art and Antiques Show runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 4. Tickets to the show, which are good for entry throughout the weekend, are $10 and may be purchased at the door.

Friday, Aug. 2

First Friday Art Crawl in Downtown Boone: On Friday, Aug. 2, downtown Boone will be taken over by the monthly First Friday Art Crawl. Like always, this month’s crawl will feature food, drinks and live music with work and exhibitions from local artists. And as usual, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy some Friday night fun.

Avery County Farmers’ Market: Come out and enjoy the Avery County Farmers’ Market at Newland Town Park. Purchase fresh local veggies, fruits, meats, breads, jellies, jams and much more from 5-8 p.m. 

weekend-roundup-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-the-high-country-check-em-out-and-make-plans-july-26-july-28Wilkesboro’s Weekly Open Air Market: Wilkesboro hosts a weekly Open Air Market on West Main Street in the heart of historic downtown, offering farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, as well as handmade crafts. The market’s focus is on supporting and sustaining the local farm and artisan community. The market takes place every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., from April 19 through Oct. 18. Admission is free. The town of Wilkesboro will also provide an open mike opportunity during the regular Open Air Market Fridays for local and regional musicians. Open mike signups will be available weekly April through October, not including the Third Friday Events, which are held April through August. To sign up, or for more information, contact Andrew Carlton at Wilkesboro Town Hall at 336-838-3951.

Western Square Dance: The Linville Land Harbor Recreation Center will play host to a western square dance from 7:30- 9:30 p.m. in Newland. Dress is casual. 

Concerts at the Jones House: Every Friday in downtown Boone. FREE! Bring your own chair or blanket. Concerts start at 5:00 p.m. This week’s show features Keith Ward and the Elkville String Band featuring Wayne Henderson and Barefoot Movement. 

Mountain City Car and Bike Show: The Joe Barlow and Kim Sutton Car and Bike Show will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2 on Main Street in Mountain City, Tenn. Admission is free. There is a $10 fee for vehicle registration.

Bluegrass at Todd General Store: Join us every Friday from late May until Thanksgiving and listen to a variety of live Bluegrass Acts. Dinner will be served at 6pm and music starts at 7pm. Come early to be sure you get a seat.

Music in the Valle: Join Valle Crucis Community Park as we celebrate the 11th anniversary season of Music in the Valle! All concerts begin at 7:00 and end at sundown. Admission is free, but a $5 donation per person to the park is recommended. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. There is absolutely no smoking allowed in the park. Bring a picnic, a blanket or chairs, and enjoy!

Saturday, Aug. 3

Watauga Humane Society’s 4 Paws Country Fair: Come out to support the Watauga Humane Society on Saturday at their shelter. There will be food, crafts, music and much more! For more information, click here!

Music on the Patio at Banner Elk Cafe: This week’s show features Sound Traveler from 6-10 p.m. 

Avery County Habitat for Humanity Bake Sale Fundraiser: At the office of The Sterling Company 1900 Tynecastle Highway, join Avery County to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. All money raised will be designated for the electrical component of the Avery Habitat home currently under construction. 

Charity Tournament for Avery High School Tennis Teams: ALL proceeds go to Avery High School Tennis Teams to assist with purchasing team equipment. Entry fee is $25. Women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Wonderful prizes!! For entry application, please email landharbortennis@gmail.com. Sign-in at 8am, play begins promptly at 9am. Refreshments will be provided.

Matney Community Club’s Annual Cake Auction: The annual cake and pie auction will be held at the Matney Community Club between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. The auction will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature homemade treats, door prizes and much more. 

Watauga County Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday morning from May to November you will find quality locally farmed meats, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, dried and fresh cut flowers, hardy local plants, delicious edibles, and a wide variety of quality crafts.

32nd Annual Crafts on the Green: Beech Mountain is full of talented artisans and we have the event to prove it. Come out to the annual Crafts on the Green to purchase hand made crafts, soaps, candles, and preserves, just to name a few. These are unique and high quality items that you can’t find anywhere else. The craft show will take place August 3rd at 9am, and will feature over 40 artists, live music, food, and even a magician!

Avery Shrine Club Golf Tournament: This tournament, held at Sugar Mountain Golf Course, will begin at 8:30 a.m. This four man team, captain’s choice tournament will cost $60 and will include greens fees, carts, and lunch. 

Lenoir Downtown Farmers’ Market: The Lenoir Downtown Farmer’s Market is a local producers only market. All goods are grown, made, designed or processed by the market vendors. Our vendors include vintners, local grass fed beef and pork, free range eggs, goats milk soaps and lotions, honey, alpaca wools, various produce, local arts and crafts, heritage eggs, herbs and spices, both living and dried, Herbville and Crane teas and sauces, just to name a few. We also feature a variety of live music including Celtic music, classic acoustic rock, Jazz saxophone, and many more. Need another reason? Here it is. Our market often features a specific product from one of our vendors, and we’ll be grilling up something almost every weekend, chicken wings, 100% beef hot dogs, grilled corn, tomatoes, and asparagus! Don’t miss this chance to meet and support your local farmers and producers, and help keep North Carolina foods close to home.

Todd Ruritan Club Barbecue Fundraiser: These fundraisers are held the first Saturday of every month through October from 4-7 p.m. at the South Fork Baptist Fellowship Hall. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. 

Summer in the Mountains Celebration: Located at Linville Falls Winery, join us in Celebration of summer in the mountains! There will be live music from Melody Cox and Andy Ferrell, free wine tastings, wine specials and catering available from Chef Albrich.

Sugar Brew: SugarBrew is a must attend summer-time event. Sample an array of craft, import and domestic beer and wines. Listen to live music performances by local favorites. Satisfy your appetite with a selection of good ‘ole American style summer-time food. Enjoy ski-lift rides to Sugar’s 5,300 ft. peak. Take advantage of Sugar Mountain Sports Shop’s 30-70% off all winter merchandise sale or purchase your discounted 2013-14 winter season pass. Cheers!

Appalachian RollerGirls Roller Derby: Appalachian Rollergirls(ARG) vs The French Broads of Asheville, NC on 8/3/13 at the George M. Holmes Convocation Center at 6pm.This is the last home bout of the 2013 season for ARG. This will be the third time these two neighboring teams have met with a record of 1-1. Doors will open at 5:00 and the bout will start at 6:00.

Crafts on the Green: The 32nd Annual Crafts on the Green will be held at Beech Mountain. The festival will include handmade items such as soaps, candles preserves and much more. 

 Sunday, Aug. 4

Boone Cyclo.via: A free community event…a day of Human Powered fun for all ages! On Sunday, August 4, 2013 from 11am-5pm portions of Howard Street, Depot Street, and Rivers Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, but open to Human Powered Fun!

Music on the Veranda at the Green Park Inn: Join us this Sunday, August 4th for Tidal! They are a East Coast cover band that covers songs from the Cranberries to REM.

Alpen Summer Concerts at Alpen Inn Pavilion: Join in the summer fun at the Alpen Inn Pavilion on Beech Mountain for free outdoor concerts every Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 (weather permitting), Memorial Day thru Labor Day. The event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, or use seating provided. Food and beverages are available for purchase on the lawn through the Alpen Inn Restaurant. Events are family and pet friendly (permitted on leash). Musical acts scheduled to perform: The Lucky Strikes, Shane Chalke BE Jazz, Smokey Breeze, The Mercury Dames, Sound Traveler, Echo Park, Klee Liles/Klee and Mike Show, Liz Hayes and the Common Threads, Amantha Mill. Music ranges from Jazz, Swing, Old-time Americana, Blues, Beach, Classic Rock-n-Roll and more.