We’re nearing the heart of summer here in our region and within our gates, where mountain days dance with sunshine and excitement. Our members are embracing their favorite activities, from a return to our Signature Golf Course to time on our Har-Tru courts, afternoons poolside, exploring mountain trails by horseback, fly fishing in cool mountain waters, and still more.
These months are also filled with regional events, from musical performances to summer theatre, the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain, and Fourth of July weekend festivities including Art on the Greene. In today’s post, we’re highlighting a handful of nearby events that are well worth adding to your calendar, beginning with Banner Elk’s ‘Summer of Music,’ which features more than 100 concerts.
Summer Music in and Around Banner Elk
Singing on Grandfather is a long-running tradition (since 1924), featuring gospel music, food vendors, and an uplifting keynote. This year’s event takes place at MacRae Meadows on June 28, 2026, from 11 am–4 pm. Western North Carolina natives Darin and Brooke Aldridge are headlining with their award-winning bluegrass gospel music. The full lineup and additional information are available online (no pets or alcohol).
In our last blog, we covered Banner Elk’s Summer Concerts in the Park, which continue at the Tate-Evans Town Park Amphitheatre on Thursday nights through August. We recommend visiting the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce website for the latest lineup. The Village of Banner Elk’s Summer Concert Series is another musical highlight of the summer, held on Friday and Saturday evenings. The shows are free and open to the public; reservations at Sorrento’s and Bayou are recommended as outdoor seating is limited.
Banner Elk Winery’s live music events are held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the summer. The winery is open from 12 pm–6 pm, and live music is from 1 pm–5 pm. They post details about upcoming performances on Instagram (@thebannerelkwinery).
Nearby Beech Mountain Resort hosts an outdoor concert series during the summer. Be sure to check their website, as the performances are ticketed and some shows have sold out.
An Appalachian Summer Festival
Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources presents its annual celebration of the performing and visual arts, running from June 27–August 1, 2026. Performances cover an impressive range of music, theatre, visual arts, and film. For the schedule, tickets, and venues, please visit their website.
A Festive Fourth
Independence Day is beautifully celebrated in our tight-knit mountain town, where the Star-Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July celebration kicks off at 11 am on July 4 with a parade down Main Street. The annual Party in the Park and Duck Race begins around 12 pm, with old-fashioned games and inflatables, food vendors, and of course, hundreds of rubber ducks.
Art, “in the Appalachian tradition of hand crafters,” is also a highlight of the Fourth of July weekend in Banner Elk, thanks to Art on the Greene. Located in the walkabout village, craft vendors showcase a wide range of media, including metal, glass, acrylic, oil, watercolor, pottery, woodwork, and jewelry. The event is held from 10 am–5 pm on July 4 and 5.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
From July 9–12, 2026, thousands make their way to the region for “a wee bit of Scotland in the High Country of Western North Carolina.” The sounds of bagpipes signal the Scots have gathered for “America’s grandest” Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain. The festivities include Highland athletics, Scottish dancing, food, Celtic music, costumes, field games, heritage exhibits, vendors, and more. Get the specifics on their website.
We’re thankful to be a part of your family’s summer tradition and share in your love of the High Country.