Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
America’s grandest Scottish-themed games include brawny athletes, delicate dancers, bagpipe parades, Celtic music and lots of kilts …
Festivals & Events
Woolly Worm Festival
Since 1978, this quirky, world-famous festival hosts woolly worm races to predict the upcoming winter weather in the North Carolina High Country …
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Head to Banner Elk’s Corner Park on Main for photos or selfies with the Easter Bunny, and candy for the kids.
Boonerang Festival
Weekend music/arts fest on multiple concert stages featuring Boone-connected artists who boomerang home. Also food, beer, vendors, kids zone, silent disco.
Trunk or Treat
Banner Elk’s Trunk or Treat provides kid-friendly Halloween fun in the heart of town. Cars. Candy. Community. A favorite event for years!
A Small Town Christmas
A weekend of traditional holiday fun. Events include a tree lighting, cookie decorating, pancakes with Santa, parade, train rides and a variety show.
Art on the Greene
Four times a year, the historic school lawn comes to life with Art on the Greene, featuring quality, hand-made artwork from local & regional artists.
Star-Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July
Star-Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July features one of the most popular & fun July 4th parades in NC, followed by a Party in the Park and Duck Race.
Grandfather Mtn Animal Enrichment Day
Each summer, this day is a fun and educational way to highlight animal enrichment and its importance in caring for Grandfather Mtn’s furry inhabitants.
Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain
A taste of Bavaria in NC. This family-friendly event has great food, kid’s area, Bavarian music & costume contest and Oktoberfest libations
Concerts in the Park
Family-friendly concerts take place Thursdays in summer. Popular bands play a variety of music from Southern rock to oldies, soul, country and funk.