Updated 2026
Tucked into the mountains of Western North Carolina, Black Mountain is known for its views, its arts and its friendly, small-town feel. Every month brings something different to do, from quiet winter hikes to summer festivals and holiday parades. Here’s what to look forward to all year long.
January
Start the year with a cozy getaway in Black Mountain. Warm up in a local cafe, settle in by the fire in a cabin or take a quiet winter hike in Pisgah National Forest. It’s also a good time to visit the Biltmore Estate, where you can walk more than 8,000 acres of trails and gardens, then warm up inside with a tour of the historic home.
Winter Trails – Bundle up for a hike on Lookout Trail or the Montreat trails, where you may see snowy peaks in the distance. Black Mountain itself rarely gets much snow, since it sits below the tallest mountains in the eastern U.S., but the high peaks nearby are often white all winter.
Local Brews and Ciders – Warm up with a tasting tour of Black Mountain’s craft breweries, distillery, meadery and cidery, and try small-batch flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
February
February is a sweet time for couples in Black Mountain. Browse the shops, share a meal at a local restaurant or grab a drink at a small craft brewery. Pick out a piece from a local artist at one of the galleries as a keepsake or gift. Spend an evening listening to music at White Horse Black Mountain, or get locked in an escape room with someone special.
March
With the first signs of spring, March is a quiet time to explore. Look for early blooms around town, or take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to spot the first wildflowers.
Birdwatching – Watch migrating birds return along Lake Tomahawk and near the streams and wooded trails around town.
St. Patrick’s Day – Join local pubs for St. Patrick’s Day with themed food, drinks and live Irish music.
April
Spring is in full swing, with flowers everywhere. It’s a great month for hiking, visiting the Black Mountain Center for the Arts or stopping into local art galleries.
Black Mountain Greenway – Walk or bike the Black Mountain Greenway and enjoy the spring flowers and fresh green along the way.
Farmers Markets and Festivals – Browse fresh produce, flowers and handmade goods at the Black Mountain Tailgate Market. Nearby, the NC Arboretum Orchid Festival and the Mountain Gateway Museum Pioneer Festival in Old Fort are fun for the whole family.
May
May is a great month to be outside. Everything is green, the weather is mild and the trails are at their best.
Scenic Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway – Take in green mountain views, waterfalls and overlooks along the Parkway.
Festivals – Head to Old Fort for the Trains and Trails Festival, celebrating local music, arts and mountain heritage.
June
June brings warm days for getting outside and evenings full of art and history.
Art in Bloom – The Black Mountain Center for the Arts hosts Art in Bloom, a multi-day event that pairs floral arrangements with local artwork. Walk through the exhibits, listen to artist talks and watch live demonstrations.
Swannanoa Valley Museum Ghost Tours – Learn about Black Mountain’s history and hauntings on a ghost tour from the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Guides walk you through downtown, sharing ghost stories and local legends that give you a look at the town’s past.
July
July brings classic summer fun, with fireworks, live music and celebrations around town.
Picnic by Lake Tomahawk – Pack a picnic by the lake and take an easy walk around the path.
Fourth of July Fireworks – Celebrate the Fourth with fireworks over the mountains.
August
With warm days and everything still green, August is a good time to explore Black Mountain’s farmers markets, art fairs and nearby trails for one last summer trip before school starts.
Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains – Cool off on shady trails that work for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Sourwood Festival – Held in downtown Black Mountain, the Sourwood Festival brings craft vendors, live music and local food. This yearly celebration shows off the town’s artistic side and community spirit.
September
As fall gets closer, enjoy cooler weather and the first hints of fall color. September is a good month for festivals and time outdoors.
Black Mountain Blues Experience – In late September, blues musicians play intimate indoor shows in downtown Black Mountain. The festival was featured in Destination Food & Travel.
Apple Picking and Wine Tasting – Kick off fall with a trip to a nearby apple orchard, or visit local vineyards for wine tastings with mountain views.
NC Mountain State Fair – Enjoy fair food, live music, shopping and family fun at this popular yearly fair.
October
Peak fall color makes October one of Black Mountain’s busiest months. The hills turn red, orange and yellow, and visitors come from all around to see them.
Pumpkin Patch and Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade – Celebrate fall with a trip to a pumpkin patch, or join the pet parade in downtown Black Mountain. Pets and their owners dress up in costumes and stroll through downtown, with prizes for the best-dressed pets and plenty of photo ops. It’s fun for all ages.
Lake Eden Reunion – Just outside town, Lake Eden Retreat hosts a weekend of live music, contra and folk dancing, drum circles, poetry, dawn walks and lake swims. Camping is included with the weekend pass, and kids 10 and under get in free.
November
As winter gets closer, Black Mountain settles into the holiday season. Local shops and markets fill up with gifts and decorations, and the crisp air is perfect for a hike.
Holiday Lights and Events
Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore – See the estate lit up for the holidays, with candlelight, decorated rooms, live music and seasonal decor throughout the historic home.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum – The gardens light up with thousands of LED lights, nature-themed displays and lighted pathways. It’s a yearly favorite for families.
Asheville Holiday Parade – The 80th annual Asheville Holiday Parade is Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m., about 20 minutes west of Black Mountain. This year’s theme is “A Vintage Holiday,” with mid-century decorations and old-fashioned floats along a route up Biltmore Avenue and down Patton Avenue. It’s a big-city parade and an easy day trip.
December
Holiday spirit fills Black Mountain in December, with decorated streets, holiday events and markets full of local crafts and gifts.
Christmas Lights Tour – Take a slow drive or walk to see the holiday lights in and around Black Mountain.
Holly Jolly Celebration – This yearly downtown celebration brings twinkling lights, carolers and holiday activities for all ages. Local shops stay open late for holiday shopping, and visitors enjoy seasonal treats and live music up and down the streets.
White Horse Holiday Markets – Shop for local crafts, handmade goods and gifts while you enjoy live music.
Circle of Lights at Lake Tomahawk – Light displays line the lake, making it a lovely spot for an evening stroll.
Christmas Parades – Pick the parade that fits your plans:
- Black Mountain Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 4 p.m. Floats, marching bands and holiday characters fill the streets of downtown Black Mountain.
- Old Fort Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5 p.m., just 12 minutes east in Old Fort. Stop by the Mountain Gateway Museum Open House afterward for glowing luminaries and a live nativity.
Deck the Trees – One of Black Mountain’s favorite traditions, the annual Deck the Trees event at White Horse Black Mountain showcases Christmas trees decorated by local artists and community members. Stop in, see the trees, vote for your favorite and support a local cause. You’ll find more decorated trees in shops around town as part of the event.
Every month, Black Mountain has its own way to enjoy the mountains, the arts and the people who make this town special all year long.
See what’s happening this week on our event calendar ›
