Discover a Year of Mountain Magic: Your Month-by-Month Guide to Black Mountain
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Black Mountain is a town renowned for its picturesque views, artsy vibe, and welcoming community. Each month, Black Mountain offers unique experiences to embrace local culture, nature, and community spirit, making it an enchanting destination year-round!
January
Start the year with a cozy retreat in Black Mountain. Embrace the winter spirit at local cafes, cozy up by the fire in a cabin, or enjoy a serene winter hike in Pisgah National Forest. This is also a great time to visit the Biltmore Estate, where you can explore more than 8,000 acres of trails and gardens, then warm up indoors with a tour of the historic home.
Peaceful Winter Trails – Bundle up for a hike on Lookout Trail or Montreat Trails, where you may catch snowy peaks in the distance. Black Mountain itself rarely sees snow, as it’s protected by the tallest mountains in the eastern U.S., but the nearby high elevations often glisten with winter snow.
Local Brews and Ciders – Warm up with a tasting tour of Black Mountain’s craft breweries, distillery Meadery, and Cidery and experience one-of-a-kind small batch local flavors.
February
February brings romance to Black Mountain. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, couples can browse charming shops, savor local dining, or enjoy a drink at small craft breweries. Find a unique piece from a local artist in one of the town’s art galleries, perfect as a keepsake or gift. Take in a romantic night of music at the White Horse Black Mountain or maybe get locked in an escape room with someone special.
March
With early signs of spring, March is a tranquil time to explore. See early blooms around town or take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to catch wildflowers peeking through.
Birdwatching – Watch migratory birds return along Lake Tomahawk or near forested streams and trails.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – Join local pubs for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with themed foods, drinks, and live Irish music.
April
April showers bring breathtaking flowers! Spring is in full swing, ideal for hiking, visiting the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, or attending local art galleries.
Explore the Black Mountain Greenway – Walk or bike through scenic landscapes filled with spring flowers, or explore the area’s rich greenery along the Black Mountain Greenway.
Farmers Markets and Festivals – Browse fresh produce, flowers, and locally handmade goods at the Black Mountain Tailgate Market. Don’t miss the NC Arboretum Orchid Festival, the Leaf Rehappening Festival, and the Mountain Gateway Museum Pioneer Festival for vibrant, family-friendly events.
May
May is perfect for outdoor fun! Lush greenery and pleasant temperatures make it ideal for hiking or enjoying the lively Leaf Festival nearby, featuring a weekend of music, art, and community spirit.
Scenic Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway – Experience the season’s splendor with green mountain vistas, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
Festivals – Join the Leaf Retreat and the Old Fort Trains and Trails Festival, which celebrate local arts, music, and regional heritage.
June
June in Black Mountain brings warm days, ideal for outdoor adventures, and evenings filled with art and history.
Art in Bloom – The Black Mountain Center for the Arts presents Art in Bloom, a multi-day event showcasing artfully arranged floral displays paired with local artworks. Wander through vibrant exhibits, enjoy artist talks, and experience live demonstrations. Art in Bloom combines fine art with the beauty of nature and offers an unforgettable experience of creativity.
Swannanoa Valley Museum Ghost Tours – Discover Black Mountain’s history and hauntings with a ghost tour from the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Guides lead guests through downtown Black Mountain, sharing stories of ghostly encounters and local legends that give a glimpse into the area’s past. A fascinating way to learn about Black Mountain’s heritage, these tours are both thrilling and educational.
July
July brings classic summer fun. Enjoy fireworks, live music, and festivities throughout Black Mountain.
Picnic by Lake Tomahawk – Relax with a picnic by the lake and a leisurely walk around its scenic path.
4th of July Fireworks – Celebrate with fireworks that light up the mountain sky, bringing a festive spirit to the mountains.
August
With warm days and lush surroundings, August is ideal for exploring Black Mountain’s farmer’s markets, art fairs, and nearby trails for that last summer vacation before school starts.
Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains – Cool off on shaded trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, ideal for both experienced hikers and beginners.
Sourwood Festival – Held in downtown Black Mountain, the Sourwood Festival offers craft vendors, live music, and delicious local food. This annual celebration showcases Black Mountain’s artistic side and community charm.
September
As fall approaches, enjoy cooler weather and early autumn colors. September is a perfect time for local festivals and outdoor activities.
Apple Picking and Wine Tasting- Kick off the fall season with a trip to a nearby apple orchard or visit local vineyards for wine tastings with mountain views.
NC Mountain State Fair- Experience fair food, live music, unique shopping, and family-friendly fun at this popular annual fair.
October
Peak fall foliage makes October one of Black Mountain’s busiest months. The entire region glows in brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues, drawing visitors from all around.
Pumpkin Patch and Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade Celebrate autumn with a trip to a pumpkin patch or join the festive pet parade in downtown Black Mountain.
The Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade in Black Mountain is a fun and festive annual event where pets and their owners dress up in creative costumes to stroll through downtown. With awards for the best-dressed pets and plenty of photo ops, this parade brings out the community’s Halloween spirit and love for animals, creating a memorable experience for all ages.
The Fall Leaf Festival, hosted by LEAF Global Arts, enhances the autumn festivities with a vibrant lineup of live music, delicious food, and unique artisan crafts. Celebrating local culture and global connections, this festival brings together artists, musicians, and creators for a weekend filled with community spirit and creative expression.
November
As winter approaches, Black Mountain shifts into a cozy holiday atmosphere. Unique shops and markets offer seasonal gifts and decor, and hiking trails are perfect for enjoying the crisp air.
Holiday Lights and Festive Events
Experience Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore; a magical holiday experience with glowing lights, flickering candle displays, and exquisitely decorated rooms throughout the grand estate. Visitors can enjoy live music, seasonal décor, and the warmth of the historic mansion beautifully lit for the season, making it a perfect holiday outing.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, where the gardens are transformed into a vibrant, glowing wonderland with thousands of LED lights. This annual display features whimsical nature-themed installations, lighted pathways, and lots of holiday cheer.
The annual Asheville Holiday Parade on the third Saturday in November is a festive start to the holiday season. Featuring colorful floats, live performances, local bands, and community groups marching through downtown Asheville. This beloved event draws crowds from Black Mountain and beyond, celebrating the season with holiday cheer and a unique, family-friendly atmosphere.
December
Holiday spirit fills Black Mountain in December, with decorated streets, cheerful events, and seasonal markets offering local crafts and gifts.
Christmas Lights Tour
Take a leisurely tour to enjoy the beautiful holiday light displays in and around Black Mountain.
Seasonal Events
Holly Jolly Celebration in downtown Black Mountain is a festive annual event that brings holiday cheer with twinkling lights, carolers, and holiday-themed activities for all ages. Local shops stay open late for holiday shopping, while visitors enjoy seasonal treats, live music, and the joyful spirit that fills the charming streets
The White Horse Holiday Markets offers a cozy shopping experience with local crafts, artisan goods, and live music, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.
The Circle of Lights at Lake Tomahawk illuminates the lakeside with beautiful displays, creating a magical atmosphere for an evening stroll.
Celebrate the season at the Black Mountain Christmas Parade, where floats, marching bands, and festive characters bring holiday joy to the streets of this charming mountain town.
Deck the Trees – One of Black Mountain’s most beloved traditions, the annual “Deck the Trees” event at the historic Monte Vista Hotel showcases beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each designed by local artists and community members. Wander through the hotel’s cozy spaces, marvel at the creativity on display, and vote for your favorite tree, all while supporting a local cause. Explore downtown shops for more decorated trees in the community as part of this special event.
Each month, Black Mountain offers unique ways to enjoy the mountains, arts, and vibrant community that make this town a year-round treasure!
Check out our local events updated regularly!
