3 Special Spring/Summer Events Coming to Boone, North Carolina

Spring and Summer in Boone, North Carolina is truly breathtaking. To add to the splendor, there are 3 special events to keep on your radar.

Save the Date: 

• MerleFest (April 24-27): Founded in 1988 in memory of legendary artist Eddy Merle Watson, this festival honors “traditional plus” music, showcasing the roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region. 
• High Country Jazz Festival (June 13-15): Three headliners perform on the stage at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, a historic Art Deco theatre built in 1938 and restored to a state-of-the-art performance venue. 
• Boonerang (June 19-22): A free, public event that unites Boone-connected musicians, local businesses and fans to kick off the summer. 

Art: Boone’s art scene is a rich blend of heritage and creativity. At the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, visitors can explore both permanent and rotating exhibits that celebrate Appalachian culture and contemporary art. Beyond the galleries, hands-on workshops like “Sit and Stitch” and fiber meetups allow you to dive into traditional sewing and weaving techniques. In the heart of downtown, the Turchin Center for Visual Arts showcases local and regional artists, offering a glimpse into the creative spirit that defines the area. Plus, visitors can even stay at famed artist Elliott Daingerfield’s historic manor turned resort and spa.  

Music: From performing for change on the streets of Boone to becoming a 7-time Grammy-winning musical legend, Doc Watson’s influence on the community can be felt everywhere — you can even still find his statue playing on King Street. His son, the late Eddy Merle Watson followed in his footsteps, and one of the premier music festivals in the country was founded in his memory. The Doc & Merle Watson Folk Art Museum features a wide variety of exhibits that reflect the heritage, culture and impact that the entire Watson family had on music in Watauga County and the world. 

Craftsmanship: For those who appreciate the finer details of craftsmanship, Boone’s local artisans are eager to share their craft. Follow Boone’s Blue Ridge Craft Trail, featuring stops like the Hands Gallery in downtown — where you can find aesthetic and functional pottery, paintings and more — and Capozzoli Guitar Company, where artist Chris Capozzoli incorporates reclaimed barn wood and cross sections from the iconic Tweetsie Railroad into his works of art. 

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.