August 10th and 11th, the annual Sourwood Festival will be held in Black Mountain, NC. A weekend packed with vibrant festivities, unique crafts, mouthwatering food, and the unmistakable taste of Appalachian honey.
While the festival boasts a heritage rooted in honey, it offers much more than just that. With almost 200 vibrant vendors showcasing an array of arts and crafts, including dazzling jewelry, exquisite woodworking, glasswork, captivating mosaics, intricate fiber art, and beyond, there’s something to pique the interest of every visitor.
But let’s not forget about the delectable treats awaiting attendees! The culinary offerings from Black Mountain’s eclectic restaurant scene will entice visitors to linger and savor a delightful meal or perhaps an afternoon beverage. Check out our Food and Brew/Cocktail recommendations.
Of course, no festival is complete without music to set the mood and keep the spirits high. Two stages; one at the White Horse Black Mountain and one at The Railyard will reverberate with melodies and rhythms at various times throughout the weekend.
Festival Hours
9 AM to 7 PM on Saturday, August 10th, and 9 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, August 11th
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave, and at Town Square.
Weekend Highlights
Be sure to check out the local nonprofit booths for raffles for amazing prizes while supporting a good cause.
- Black Mountain Beautification
- Hammer and Heart
Black Mountain Tailgate Market will also be open 9 Am – 12 PM, located at 130 Montreat Road Black Mountain. The market features organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and locally handcrafted items.
Saturday, August 10th
- Official Sourwood Honey beekeeper demonstrations at Town Square parking lot
- Chainsaw artist demonstrations at Town Square parking lot
- Potato Sack & Egg Races hosted by the Girl Scouts at Town Square
- Petting Zoo – Black Mountain Ave 9 AM – 5 PM COsts is $5 per person.
- BBQ Cook-Off and live music at the Monte Vista 2 PM – 5 PM
- Cruise In at the Monte Vista Hotel 10 AM – 1 PM
- Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Library 10 AM – 1 PM
- Upbeats Ukulele at the Grange 12 PM – 1 PM. The Grange will also serve a special ” Grilled hot honey sausage topped with fried tobacco onions and lusty honey , mustard!
- Sourwood Pottery Market at Black Mountain Center for the Arts 10 AM – 4 PM (market will be located behind the building) The main gallery will also open all day with a curated show of Rachael Clegg “Trees of the Blue Ridge”
- Live MUSIC on the patio at the White Horse Black Mountain from 12 PM – 7 PM with 50% off local craft beer cans.
Saturday Night
Enjoy Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method at 8:00 Pm at the White Horse Black Mountain, tickets are available here. A top award-winning alternative blues band and noted by Chameleon Fire as “A power blues trio in the finest sense of the term – guitarist David Miller is a revelation. The songwriting is consistently strong and catchy without ever losing its driving edge”
Kelle Jolly Trio will also be performing at The Railyard at 6 PM. A song stylist whose voice carries the rich timbre of Ella Fitzgerald, the profound depth of Sarah Vaughan, and the captivating storytelling of Billie Holiday.
Sketoe’s Ghost will be playing at Lookout Brewing from 5-7pm! Rooted in the gritty sounds of southern America yet branching out into dimensions of soul, funk and rock while sprouting unpredictable tendrils of bluegrass, punk and even Latin rhythms; their music is a dense thicket.
Perpetual Groove at Pisgah Brewing Company 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM . A band categorized by fans as “Trance Arena Rock,” is an amalgamation of rock and indie electronica, with a touch of metal thrown in for good measure. With their intelligent light show and experimental stage set up, PGroove continues to create a cultivated, unique experience for each live show. Tickets here.
Sunday, August 11th
- DJ at The Railyard spinning tunes and blending soul, blues, pop, EDM, and Hip Hop from 1-3 PM
- 50/50 Festival Raffle Drawing at 5 PM
- Music at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church by Cross Keys Tavern 3 PM . A program of Scottish Baroque and Celtic Tunes on baroque and traditional instruments. Tickets are available here.
Sunday Evening
Stay for live music by DULCI at the White Horse Black Mountain 7:30 PM, tickets are available here. Dulci brings an ageless, classic style to pop music with her smooth vocals and warm melodies. This big-sound-band creates a rich soundscape that spans a broad range of genres from old-school soul to modern-day pop.
Festival Logistics
- Road Closures- During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
- Parking & Shuttle- Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
- Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and portable restrooms located throughout the festival area.
Since its inaugural debut back in 1977, the Sourwood Festival has been a beloved celebration, paying homage to the distinctively flavored and fragrant Appalachian honey derived from the blossoms of the sourwood trees. And what makes this event even more special is the timing – coinciding perfectly with the mid-summer bloom of sourwood trees in Western North Carolina.
