This weekend in Boone, NC

Choose dine-in or to-go for a hearty country breakfast at the park. The menu includes homemade biscuits with gravy and jams, grits, eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, pan-fried potatoes, stewed apples, pancakes, coffee, and orange juice. A $12 donation per person is requested, payable by cash or Venmo. All donations benefit the community park, and offerings may change based on availability.

At Daniel Boone Park, the county farmers market brings together growers, food producers, and makers for a lively community marketplace. Around fifty local vendors offer peak-season fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, eggs, and dairy, along with breads, pastries, ready-to-eat dishes, honey, mushrooms, fermented specialties, pantry staples, handcrafted art and gifts, and small-batch herbal goods. The experience goes beyond shopping with live music, cooking demonstrations, a dedicated area for children, and plenty of hot coffee plus breakfast and lunch options. Everything for sale is grown, raised, or created by the people behind the booths, which keeps support close to nearby farms and artisans. SNAP/EBT is accepted, as are WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers, and SNAP/EBT purchases can be matched at the Market Information Booth for additional eligible food items.

Held at Watauga High School, this festival supports Watauga County families who are facing the high cost of preparing for a new school year. Supplies will be distributed, including backpacks, shoes, pencils, notebooks, crayons, erasers, highlighters, earbuds, and headphones, so students can begin the year prepared and confident. Supplies can be picked up during school-specific time slots, with slots designated for Green Valley, Bethel, Parkway, Valle Crucis, Mabel, Blowing Rock, Two Rivers, Hardin Park, Cove Creek, and homeschoolers. High school students should attend during their school district's assigned slot. Homeschoolers must be enrolled in an active registered homeschool in Watauga County. Haircuts are not being offered this year. Students need to be at the festival in person to receive shoes. Information about sponsoring, volunteering, or hosting a booth is available on the festival website.

Throughout the day, nature activities are offered for children ages 5 to 12, and participants of all ages are welcome. Around the Wilson Center, visitors can meet some critters up close. These activities are covered by admission.

Mountain Muse Boutique presents its Linx'd permanent jewelry experience, with custom fitted pieces created in minutes for a smooth, clasp free look finished before your eyes. A sister collection of traditional jewelry will be available as well. Sunny Day Markets hosts this gathering in the mountain town of Blowing Rock, NC, bringing locals and visitors together for a fun afternoon centered on shopping local, community connection, and mountain town charm.

Second Saturdays at Shoppes on the Parkway brings a welcoming mix of local flavor and mountain-town character. Expect a marketplace of small business vendors, refreshments like Larlin’s Lemonade and Haulin Treats, the All Mixed Up mobile drink trailer, permanent jewelry sessions with Mountain Muse Boutique, live music from the Andy Ferrell Duo, and a free coloring station to spark creativity. Supported by sponsors Leafguard, Renewal by Anderson, Passantes, Leaf Filter, and The Pet’s Table, this series highlights community connection in a friendly setting.

Live outdoor music sets the scene at 5506′, a summit bar at Beech Mountain Resort recognized as the highest in the Eastern U.S. This performance features Spell of Leaves, a local indie and folk band from Banner Elk, NC. The venue is accessed by chairlift, where guests can enjoy sweeping mountain views and a full-service bar. Food is available at the summit from Claudia’s Authentic Mexican Grill, which serves wood fired Mexican specialties. This music series is free and open to all, with the chairlift ride as the only cost to reach the top. Performances take place outside at the summit, and in case of rain they move to the Taproom in the village. Parking is not available at the summit.

At Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern, The Collective Trio plays well-loved songs while guests enjoy dinner or drinks. The cafe offers wide-ranging menus to complement the music.

Enjoy a live show as Tasha Ann takes the stage with her full band.

Catch Lord Huron and Lucius at the Beech Mountain Resort Concert Series. This indie-folk and indie-rock show starts at 7:00 PM at Beech Mountain Ski Resort.

Watch the Blue Ridge awaken as sunlight reveals layers of mountains and valleys in every direction. This meditative hike covers 3 miles and begins with a brief invitation to connect with nature, then continues at a steady 2 to 3 miles per hour, quicker than many forest bathing or interpretive outings. Some stretches include moderate elevation changes. The group pauses at times to enjoy beautiful views and observe animals before moving on. Participation is limited to 10 people to keep the experience immersive, and those who register receive a confirmation with directions to the trailhead.