2025 Sourwood Festival
There’s no better time to visit Black Mountain than in August, when the air is thick with the scent of blooming sourwood trees and the town comes alive with one of its most beloved events—the Sourwood Festival. Now in its 48th year, this family-friendly street festival is a celebration of local flavor, mountain culture, and the unmistakable charm of Black Mountain.
Since its inaugural debut in 1977, the Sourwood Festival has honored the distinctively flavored and fragrant honey derived from the blossoms of the Appalachian sourwood tree. And what makes it even more special? It’s timed perfectly with the mid-summer sourwood bloom, a natural phenomenon unique to Western North Carolina.
Pottery Market
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts will hold its annual Sourwood Pottery Market behind the BMCA building from 10:00-4:00 on Saturday and Sunday
Barn Loom Demonstration
The Swannanoa Valley Museum will have Annelle Woogon doing a Barn Loom demonstration in the upstairs gallery on August 9th from 2pm – 4pm
Bee Educated
The festival is excited to welcome The Center for Honeybee Research for the weekend! They’ll be sharing fascinating insights about the vital role of bees through engaging educational sessions. Plus, several of our vendors will be bringing their bees for live demonstrations and learning opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to learn all about these incredible pollinators.
Live Totem Pole Carving
Don’t miss one of the weekend’s standout attractions—a live totem pole carving presented by the Swannanoa Valley Tree Alliance. This unique demonstration will take place in the lower parking lot on Sutton Avenue. Stop by to watch this incredible piece of art come to life!
Arts, Eats & Appalachian Vibes
While the festival’s roots are steeped in honey, it offers so much more. With nearly 200 vendors, you’ll find an impressive variety of handcrafted goods—from dazzling jewelry and intricate mosaics to woodworking, fiber arts, and glasswork. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local artisans and discover one-of-a-kind treasures.
The Sourwood Festival is a great event for families, with lots of fun for kids. The children’s area includes games, activities, and live entertainment just for them. It’s a fun and easy way for families to spend the day together in downtown Black Mountain.
And when it comes to culinary delights, Black Mountain doesn’t disappoint. While snack vendors will be available throughout the festival, you don’t want to miss the town’s 50+ restaurants—from cozy cafés and bakeries to Southern staples and vibrant brewpubs. This town is a foodie heaven. Be sure to check out our Food Recommendations and Brew/Cocktail recommendations to plan your tasting tour.
Food Specials
- The Hop Ice Cream on Cherry St will have their special “Bees Knees” Ice Cream, a combination of local honey, local mint, lavender, and rose. A Sourwood favorite!
- Abbiocco Pizza, located at Peri Social House, will be featuring a Specialty Pizza with a Sourwood Twist
- Foothills Grange will have their traditional Sourwood Hot honey sausage special
Specialty Cocktails
- Peri Social House will have a Blood Orange and Sourwood Latte, and Sourwood Honey Infused Cocktails
- The Station will have the Sourwood Honey “Bees Knees” Cocktail
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Hell or High Water is hosting a Local mead tasting on the rooftop from 1-5
Music, Mountains & Community Spirit
No festival is complete without live music, and the Sourwood Festival brings the sounds of the mountains to the heart of town. Two main stages for festival music at White Horse Black Mountain and The Foothills Grange. In addition, expect toe-tapping sets all weekend long around town, creating the perfect backdrop for shopping, snacking, and relaxing with friends and family
- Friday, Aug 8th – Duende Libre 7:30pm
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Saturday, Aug 9th
- Teso Ellis 12-2pm
- Carolina Drift 3-5pm
- Dirty Logic Does Goucho 7:30pm
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Sunday, Aug 10th
- Watkins 12-2pm
- Emeline Scales 3-5pm
- Dirty Logic Does AJA 7:30pm
- Saturday, Aug 9th – Live Music 5-8pm
The Station
- Friday, Aug 8th – Mr. Jimmy Blues 5-8pm
The Grange
- Saturday, Aug 9th – Upbeats Ukulele 12-1pm
- Thursday, Aug 8th – Music Bingo 6:30pm
- Sunday, Aug 10th – 4pm – Live music 5-7pm with Old Sap
- Thursday, Aug 7th – 7pm Deer Tick with Twain
- Sunday, Aug 10th 4pm – Acoustic Corner 25th Anniversary Party
- Soluna Quartet, Jackson Grimm & Friends, Cary Fridley & Travis Stuart, and The Old Chevrolet Set
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FESTIVAL LOGISTICS
Festival Hours & Location
Saturday, August 9: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 10: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Black Mountain
Streets included: Cherry Street, Black Mountain Avenue, Broadway Avenue, Vance Avenue, and Town Square
Road Closures
To create a safe and walkable experience, the following streets will be closed to traffic during the festival:
Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle Service
Free public parking is available at:
The old Bi-Lo parking lot located at 205 NC-9 Black Mountain
The Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center 550 NC-9 Black Mountain
A free shuttle will run every 15 minutes, picking up festival-goers from Ingles and dropping them off conveniently on Vance Ave.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are located on Cherry Street and in Town Square. Additional portable restrooms will be available throughout the festival area.
Food Options
While the festival will feature snack vendors, we highly encourage attendees to visit one of the many restaurants in Black Mountain and Swannanoa for a full dining experience.
Whether you’re drawn by the honey, the handmade crafts, the music, or the mountain setting, the Sourwood Festival is the perfect reason to plan a summer weekend in Black Mountain. Come see why this beloved tradition continues to draw thousands year after year—and experience a taste of Appalachian culture you won’t forget.
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Updates are being added weekly. Bookmark the Sourwood Festival Guide for updates
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