Events in Marion, NC

Gather with neighbors at Black Mountain Bistro for an informal meet-up centered on people who care about the town and its residents. The focus is on building genuine relationships, exchanging ideas, and creating connections that benefit local businesses and community life. Everyone is welcome, whether you run a business, work for one, volunteer, or are simply curious about what is happening locally. There is no set agenda and no pressure to make a pitch, just a relaxed conversation with others who are engaged in the community. No registration is required, and the meetup begins and ends on schedule.

This meal fundraiser supports the Fall South Sudan Missions Team. Guests can enjoy barbecue with sides and dessert while contributing to the cause. It is sponsored and hosted by the LLBC Missions Ministry. Donations in any amount are appreciated. For more information, contact Larry Foster at 828-699-2398.

LLBC coordinates volunteers at the New Beginnings Soup Kitchen at the Green River Baptist Association on the first Thursday of each month. Duties include preparing food, packaging meals, and overseeing distribution, and fourteen one-pound cakes are supplied for dessert. Approximately 400 to 500 meals are served each Thursday, and recipients are offered prayer to support both physical and spiritual needs. Volunteers and pound cake donations are needed, with morning and afternoon shifts available. For details about volunteering or providing cakes, contact Ray Montelione at 631-974-6308.

KJ Hamza hosts karaoke at Silverados, creating a welcoming neighborhood spot to unwind with friends and sing your favorite tunes. It is an easygoing way to roll into the weekend in a casual, friendly setting.

Thursday Karaoke has relocated from The Social to Silverados. Hosted by KJ Hamza Vandehey, singers can take the mic and keep the songs rolling in its new home.

Award-winning, Chicago-bred and Asheville-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter Mr Jimmy delivers authentic blues at The Station in Black Mountain, a spot touted as the top local bar.

Silverados presents a relaxed karaoke night with Hamza. Expect friendly service, an easygoing atmosphere, and plenty of chances to take the mic with friends. Warm up your voice and enjoy singing your favorite songs in a welcoming setting.

The date is confirmed for the upcoming BBQ Festival, with additional details coming soon.

This off-road swap meet brings enthusiasts together at Linville Adventure Pasture in Western North Carolina, set along the Linville River near Lake James. Built for people who enjoy Jeeps, Toyotas, Land Rovers, adventure bikes and the outdoors, it welcomes every brand and style. Expect a day devoted to buying, selling and trading parts, along with plenty of conversation about trail riding, rock crawling and overlanding. Admission is $5 per person for the swap meet. Vendor spots are $20 and include two entries. Camping is $20 per night per vehicle and includes swap meet access. Kids 16 and under are free. Camping is available Friday and Saturday nights with a big bonfire each evening and coffee and donuts on Saturday morning. The vibe is relaxed, with trail talk and good deals encouraged. If interest is strong, a taco truck and live music may be added on Saturday evening. Organizers are also welcoming sponsors, co-hosts and groups interested in leading a ride from the venue. The gathering is presented by Christian Hall and Pam, longtime off-road enthusiasts whose background includes West Coast desert racing and outreach work with major off-road associations across the U.S. and Mexico.

The Glen Alpine Fall Festival brings a full day of small-town charm to Glen Alpine, North Carolina, featuring live performances and music, a lineup of food trucks serving barbecue, sweets, and seasonal specialties, and a marketplace of local makers offering handcrafted items. Families will find plenty for children, including games, face painting, and autumn-themed activities. The celebration invites neighbors and visitors to enjoy local flavor, creativity, and a lively atmosphere. Vendors and sponsors are welcome to participate.

Patchwork brings a live set to The Honey Hog Restaurant. The lineup includes Jamie Trollinger on guitar and vocals, Mark Mulholland on guitar and vocals, Wesley Lewis on bass, Grub Thornberg on keyboard, and Richy Payce on drums.

Musicians and blues lovers come together for an open jam that welcomes experienced players, beginners, and listeners. The event features an Acoustic Blues Jam followed by the Dark City Stage Jam, with signups available for the stage session. Attendees can bring instruments and friends to make music, learn from one another, and connect with fellow musicians and blues fans. Contributions are pay what you can with a suggested donation of $10, and there is no charge for those who perform.

Musicians and singers are welcome at an Appalachian music open jam that invites everyone to make music together. Bring an instrument or add your voice and enjoy a relaxed session focused on traditional sounds. This gathering happens on the first Wednesday of each month.

This jazz showcase is hosted by Dr. Bill Bares, a pianist, composer, scholar, and educator. He earned a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from Harvard University in 2009, has taught at Harvard, Brown, Berklee College of Music, and the New England Conservatory, and later became a professor of music and co-director of jazz studies at UNC Asheville. Support is provided in part by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Local beekeepers gather with the McDowell Honeybee Club for an informative session covering approaches to improve hive productivity and management recommendations tailored to the season. It provides time to learn, exchange experiences, and connect with others in the local beekeeping community.

The Annual Chamber Golf Classic brings together local businesses, community leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a day of networking, fun, and friendly competition. Two flights are offered, with breakfast provided for those playing in the morning and lunch for the afternoon group. Teams play in a captain's choice format with four players per team, and entry covers green fees, a golf cart, and access to practice balls and the course. Each golfer receives a swag bag filled with promotional items from Chamber businesses, plus complimentary beverage and snack cart service throughout the tournament. Businesses can showcase their brand through sponsorships, including a hole sponsor sign for $250 or a hole bundle for $400 that includes a sign and a table on the course. Sponsors using a table are expected to have staff present during tournament play. Additional sponsorship options are available. Chamber members can also volunteer to assist with registration, drive a snack and beverage cart, or connect with participants during check in periods.

Bring a favorite book or choose one from the shelves there. Settle in for a quiet stretch of reading, then, if you wish, chat about your book with others. You can also keep to yourself and continue reading, participation is entirely your choice. Share what you are reading and hear about what others are reading, or simply enjoy the peaceful time with your own pages.

A beloved mountain tradition returns to downtown Marion, filling three city blocks with creativity and flavor. More than 150 booths showcase handmade crafts, festival foods, nonprofit organizations, and community sponsors, while downtown businesses add even more options for shopping, dining, and drinks. Families will find plenty to do at the Kid’s Korner, where young makers can try tutu crafting, spin art, a fishing booth, and balloon art. The Family Stage features the Best Dressed Pet Contest, and local entertainment runs all day with performances from musicians, choirs, dance studios, and more. Visitors can also explore special exhibits like the Mountain Glory Quilt Show at the McDowell Arts Council. Free shuttle service runs every half hour between the Marion City Square plaza parking lot and the festival site, and handicap parking is available at Marion’s Community Building. Keep an eye out for Bigfoot, Marion’s mascot, who might make an appearance. The City of Marion is the festival sponsor.

At the Berry site near Morganton, North Carolina, participants learn about the area’s past and gain hands-on experience with archaeological techniques. The experience includes assisting with excavation on the site and carefully handling discoveries as they are uncovered. No previous experience is needed and all tools are supplied. Participation is open to ages 16 and older, with ages 10 to 15 permitted when accompanied by a paying adult. The cost is 10 dollars per person. Registration is required to take part in the excavation, and registrants will receive an email with further details, including navigation directions.

Now in its 20th year, the Spruce Pine Potters Market welcomes visitors to the Cross Street Building in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. This annual pottery show is managed and organized by artists who live and work in Mitchell and Yancey counties in western North Carolina. Discover a broad spectrum of ceramic art, from practical everyday pieces to expressive sculptural works. Admission is free.

BCBA holds monthly meetings focused on bees and beekeeping. A few days beforehand, members can look for an email that announces the topic for that session. Meetings now occur on Tuesdays. The gathering provides opportunities to learn, ask questions, and talk about bees with others who share the interest.

Presented by Hillman Beer, the fifth running of the Geyser Growl Half Marathon features a scenic, enjoyable route during peak leaf season. Runners make their way from the picturesque Town of Black Mountain to the revitalized community of Old Fort, passing the historic Andrews Geyser along the way, and finish at Hillman Beer Old Fort with hot soup and a cold beer. The event has quickly grown into one of the region’s most popular fall half marathons. Online registration will close when the race sells out, and participation is capped at 500.

Explore multispecies cover cropping in the garden at Riverside Park as the concluding session of the Grow Your Own Workshop Series. Discover how mixing several cover crop species can enrich soil life, limit weed pressure, conserve water in the beds, and cultivate a more durable garden system. Pat will outline clear, actionable methods for selecting and pairing varieties, planning the right planting windows, and fitting cover crops into the rhythm of your gardening season. Suitable for anything from a home plot to a few raised beds, this workshop offers practical steps to nurture fertile ground and vigorous plants using natural approaches. Free to attend, with advance registration required.

Shiflet Airfield hosts its second annual fly-in and drive-in, building on last year’s turnout with a larger celebration of aviation and community. The event offers local vendors, live music, and food, creating space for pilots and car enthusiasts to meet. Seasonal foliage should provide a colorful backdrop. Admission is free, and attendees may arrive by airplane or by car.

Bring your own fused glass project to an open studio setting and work at your own pace with guidance and supervision from instructor Diane Enger. Use this time to make up a class you missed, repeat a favorite lesson, explore a technique you have seen, or bring a specific idea you are ready to create. Participants must have completed at least one fusing class and be comfortable cutting glass. If you would like a refresher, a short skill-building session is available to boost your glass cutting confidence. Registration is required by calling Diane at 828-443-5266. Pricing varies based on your project, the number of hours you spend, and use of studio tools.

At the Black Mountain YMCA, this participant-led support group brings together people living with Parkinson's and their care partners. It offers a welcoming place to exchange information, share resources, and build community with others who understand. The program is free, and registration is available at the membership desk. For more information, call (828) 552-3620.

Designed for ages 3 to 9, Pool Pals through the YMCA Youth Development Center invites children to enjoy supervised time in the pool instead of the childcare room. Each session features guided water play led by YDC staff, with a lifeguard who holds Red Cross certification on duty to support a safe experience. The program is held monthly. Registration can be completed at the front desk or online.

The Forest Retreat returns to Indigo Nature Retreat in North Carolina for one last time, bringing a women’s gathering with Tara and Amanda. The experience centers on movement, conversation, quiet moments of reflection, and shared time immersed in the forest.

The gathering features traditional mountain ballads, offering space to listen or to share a song of your own. These storytelling songs have been passed down through generations. Hosts William Ritter and Jim Veteto draw on years of study and performance with renowned experts, including Bobby McMillon. Expect an interactive, welcoming format that doubles as a memorable learning experience. This event is held each month.

Experience archaeology at the Berry site near Morganton, North Carolina with a hands-on day of learning and digging. Discover the site’s history, practice field techniques, and help uncover the past during an active excavation. No experience is necessary and all tools are provided. Participation is open to ages 16 and up, and youth ages 10 to 15 may take part when accompanied by a paid adult. The cost is $10 per person. Registration is required to actively participate in the excavation, and after using the Tickets option to register, participants will receive an email with further details, including navigation directions.

Get into the spirit with a haunted golf classic at Silver Creek Golf Club benefiting the Valdese Police Department’s Blue Santa program. Teams compete in a four-player Captain’s Choice format, and lunch is included. Entry is $300 per team or $75 per player. Registration is available online, with options to pay electronically or by check noting Blue Santa, which can be mailed or dropped off at Waldensian Presbyterian Church. Volunteers and sponsors can also sign up online, and paper forms are available at the church. Proceeds support Blue Santa in providing holiday gifts and essential items for children.

Dads and daughters are invited to a first Halloween dance at Wren and Wrae's Clubhouse, filled with spooky fun for families. Attendees are encouraged to wear standout costumes, and dads are welcome to dress up as well. Admission is $50 per person. To RSVP, call 828-385-3769 or 704-418-9138 for details on saving your spot at this haunting celebration.

Gotcha Groove performs at Blanton House Restaurant & Venue with a playlist of favorite songs that spans eight decades. The show gathers familiar hits from multiple eras into one performance at this local restaurant and event space.

International ukulele phenom Feng E returns to White Horse in Black Mountain for an encore performance. The young virtuoso from Taiwan has toured the globe and gained widespread attention through appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and America’s Got Talent. In an up-close setting, his precise, high-energy playing blends with deep feeling, revealing just how much range and power this small instrument can deliver.

Now in its second year, this Christmas craft show brings two days of handcrafted creations to Morganton, NC at Foothills Higher Education Center. Admission is $5, children 12 and under enter free, and parking is free. Vendor opportunities are available.

New Testament Baptist Church hosts a family friendly fall festival featuring games with prizes, an inflatable play area, popcorn and cotton candy, and a meal provided for attendees. A chili cooking contest is part of the festivities, and guests can help judge which recipe comes out on top. It offers simple activities, tasty treats, and time together for all ages.

Enjoy a fun weekend with lots of activities, and a horse is not needed. Take part for a single day on Saturday or Sunday, or spend the entire weekend.

A competitive Mah Jongg event that supports the Black Mountain Beautification Committee. Additional details and registration are available online.

Meet at the Berry site near Morganton, North Carolina to learn about the site's history and practice archaeology techniques. Participants will help with excavation and will hold history in their hands as they work. No experience is necessary and all tools are provided. Participants must be 16 years of age or older, and explorers ages 10 to 15 may take part with a paid adult. The cost is $10 per person. Registration is required to actively participate in the excavation, and a follow-up email will provide more details, including navigation directions.

Smokey Mountain Christmas at Morganton Bluegrass Church presents a musical program of old Christmas classics, and heavy snow is guaranteed. A meal with seasonal finger food is offered before the program begins.

Ugandan musician Chinobay shares a program centered on rhythm, culture, and artistry. Presented as part of the Afro Rhythm series produced by Chinobay and White Horse Black Mountain.

Local beekeepers come together with the McDowell Honeybee Club for a practical discussion on ways to boost hive productivity and recommended management practices for this season. The gathering also includes a potluck meal and the election of new officers for the year ahead, offering opportunities to learn, exchange experiences, and connect with others in the beekeeping community.

Enjoy a relaxed Silent Book Club gathering at Bigfoot Books & Brews. Bring a book you are already reading, or choose one from the shelves there, and settle in for quiet reading time. If you feel like chatting afterward, share what you have been reading and hear about other readers’ picks, or simply keep reading in peace. Participation is entirely up to you.

Community Soup for the Soul is a no-cost gathering open to all, held at New Testament Baptist Church. Enjoy warm bowls of soup, friendly company, and relaxed time spent with neighbors. It offers a welcoming place for a good meal, fellowship, or simply a comfortable seat for a while. Families, friends, and individuals are all welcome, with a place at the table for everyone.

Seth and Sara bring a warm, cowboy-tinged sound shaped by years on the road. The duo from Western North Carolina has paused their van-life tour to focus on regional shows, sharing campfire-born originals alongside favorites from artists like Tyler Childers, The Beatles, Colter Wall, Brooks & Dunn, Radiohead, and Johnny Cash. Seth is known for expressive vocals, agile guitar work, and a suitcase kick that keeps evolving, while Sara blends in crisp percussion and gentle harmonies. Expect a set that moves through love, humor, and heartbreak, with space for dancing and a rootsy edge.

Work on your own fused glass project in an open studio setting with guidance and supervision from instructor Diane Enger. Use the session to repeat a class, make up one you missed, explore a new technique or process, or create a piece you have envisioned. Participants must have completed at least one fusing class and know how to cut glass. If cutting skills need a refresher, a short class is available. To register, call Diane at 828-443-5266. Pricing varies based on your project, the number of hours, and use of glass studio tools.

World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker with a live orchestra, offering a festive experience for all ages. The production showcases 40 world-class dancers, more than 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and lavish hand-crafted sets. Follow Marie on a magical Christmas Eve journey as her Nutcracker comes to life, leading to swirling snowflakes, battling mice, and the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. The performance runs approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 2 and up. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company brings beloved ballets to cities nationwide with a commitment to making ballet accessible to everyone. The company features renowned professional dancers from over ten countries and has toured to more than 300 cities, reaching audiences of more than 500,000.

The day takes place at the Berry site near Morganton, North Carolina, where participants explore the site’s history and get hands-on with archaeology techniques. Expect work in the excavation area and a chance to connect with the past through field activities. No prior experience is needed and all tools are provided. The fee is $10 per person. Registration is required to take part in the excavation. After registering, an email will be sent with additional details, including navigation directions. Participants must be 16 or older. Youth ages 10 to 15 may participate only when accompanied by a paid adult.

The City of Marion celebrates the season with its annual Christmas Parade, bringing a festive procession down Main Street. Spectators can line the route to enjoy holiday sights and sounds. Those interested in taking part are asked to register in advance. Participation is free, but registration is required and handled through the Marion Business Association office. Because office hours vary, it is best to call the MBA before stopping by at 828-652-2215.

Thanksgiving morning in Black Mountain features the second annual Turkey Trot with two ways to take part. Choose a chip timed 5K through the mountain streets or opt for the 1 mile Wishbone Fun Run that is suited for families. Participants can start the holiday on foot and receive a premium long sleeve tech shirt, a finisher medal, and a custom race bib. Post race celebrations include music, photo opportunities, and seasonal treats, and prizes are planned for standout turkey costumes and the fastest runners. Early bird registration is available. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages in a spirit of gratitude for the local mountain community, and a portion of proceeds supports Bounty & Soul in Black Mountain and Swananoa.

Amythyst Kiah, the Tennessee-born singer and songwriter behind the new album Still + Bright, showcases a moody, cinematic spin on roots-infused alt-rock shaped by personal exploration, spiritual interests, and a long-standing bond with the natural world. The record, produced in Nashville by Butch Walker, known for work with Taylor Swift, Green Day, and Weezer, weaves buzzing guitars and industrial-tinged beats with shimmering pedal steel and elegant banjo to support vivid, revealing storytelling. It follows her 2021 breakthrough Wary + Strange, recognized by Rolling Stone among that year’s top Country and Americana releases and praised by outlets including Pitchfork. Her creative evolution includes time with Our Native Daughters alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell, as well as new collaborations on Still + Bright with Tim Armstrong, Sadler Vaden, and Avi Kaplan. Throughout, Kiah pursues themes of self-knowledge with conviction, originality, and depth.

Crazy Chester, a Carrboro-rooted tribute to The Band, launched in early 2020 with a string of one-off shows around North Carolina’s Piedmont. The group features Jones Bell (Mellow Swells, Ravary), Charles Cleaver (Big Star’s Third, Fancy Gap, Lemon Sparks), Rob DiMauro (Heat Preacher, Mixtape Grab Bag, One After 919), Justin Ellis (Slow Teeth, Ravary, Easter Island, One After 919), and Rafael Green (solo artist, Ravary, One After 919), portraying Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Robbie Robertson. For the sixth consecutive year, they will revisit much of The Band’s famed Thanksgiving 1976 farewell concert, documented in Martin Scorsese’s 1978 film “The Last Waltz.” The show includes a larger ensemble with additional players and special local guests who perform songs originally delivered in the film by Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and others. This year the production hits the road to honor 50 years of “The Last Waltz.”

Settle in at Bigfoot Books & Brews for a Silent Book Club gathering. Bring a book from home or pick one from the shelves there, spend quiet time reading, and, if you wish, talk with others about what you are reading. You can also keep to yourself and continue reading. Share what you are into and hear about the books other readers have chosen, all entirely up to you.

Jennifer Alvarado performs live at The Spillway in Marion, NC with a set centered on acoustic music. Jenn offers a varied mix of unplugged songs in a stripped back format.