A year-round calendar of celebrations across the Blue Ridge — from the bloom of rhododendrons in June to apple butter in October and a Christmas parade to close out the year.
Mitchell County is home to a remarkable number of festivals and community events. The list below is sorted by what's coming up next. Dates shown are typical — please check each organizer's website for exact dates and times.
First weekends of June and December · Mitchell & Yancey counties
A self-guided driving tour through Mitchell and Yancey counties where visitors meet working artists in their studios. One of the most respected studio tours in the Southeast.
Third weekend of June · Downtown Bakersville
Bakersville's signature summer celebration, honoring the spectacular bloom of Catawba rhododendrons on nearby Roan Mountain. The festival features a parade, live music, arts and crafts vendors, a 10K road race, food, and the crowning of the festival queen.
Early August (4 days) · Spruce Pine
A long-running celebration of the mineral wealth of the Spruce Pine Mining District, featuring vendors selling gems, minerals, jewelry, beads, and fossils alongside demonstrations and family activities.
Mid-August · Penland School of Craft
Penland School of Craft hosts its annual benefit auction featuring hundreds of works by leading contemporary craft artists. The event supports scholarships and programs at this internationally known craft school.
Hosted by MCHSSecond Saturday of October · Bakersville Creekwalk
MCHS hosts this beloved fall tradition along the Bakersville Creekwalk. Watch apple butter cooked over an open fire, enjoy live mountain music, browse arts and crafts vendors, and take part in our Chili & Cornbread Cookoff.
Early December · Downtown Bakersville
The holiday season opens with a small-town Christmas parade through downtown Bakersville, complete with floats, fire trucks, music, and a visit from Santa.
We'd love to highlight more of Mitchell County's community gatherings. If you organize a local festival, parade, or annual event, get in touch and we'll add it to this page.
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