Escape the City and Explore Black Mountain, NC: Top Things to Do this Summer in Black Mountain
Black Mountain, NC, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town charm. As summer unfolds, our quaint town becomes a hub of activity, offering numerous attractions and events for visitors of all ages. Here are the top things to do in Black Mountain this summer.
June: Embrace the Early Summer Vibes
Art by The Tracks – Black Mountain Arts & Crafts Show: This annual event showcases the work of local artisans. For the past 25 years, the Old Depot Association holds this Art and Craft fair to raise money for the Old Depot Association. Much of this money is donated through grants for art programs for local schools.
Art in Bloom – Black Mountain Center for the Arts: A unique event that combines the beauty of art and nature. Local artists create stunning floral arrangements inspired by artwork displayed at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. The event typically includes workshops, gallery tours, and a garden tour, offering a feast for the senses. June 13- July 16
July: Summer Festivities and Outdoor Adventures
Fourth of July Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Join the community downtown Black Mountain, for a spectacular fireworks display.
Black Mountain Blues Festival: July 12, 13 & 14 music enthusiasts will flock to Black Mountain for the Black Mountain Blues Festival, a celebration of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms. This event will showcase talented blues musicians from across the region, captivating audiences with electrifying performances and heartfelt lyrics. The Black Mountain Blues Festival promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.
Rock the Classics Car Show: July 27th featuring cars from the 1900s thru the 1980s. Attendees will be able to vote on trophies for vehicles, with the categories of Oldest Car, Best in Show, and People’s Choice. Various raffles for prizes will take place, including a 50/50 raffle, with half of the winnings going to support the Swannanoa Valley Museum. The car show will display dozens of American and European cars including historic Edsels, Shelbys, Chevys, Dodsons, Volvos and more.
Swannanoa Gathering: The Swannanoa Gathering’s Old-Time Music & Dance Week will take place July 21–27, 2024 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. The week-long event explores the music, dance, and singing traditions of the southern Appalachian region. It includes workshops in folk arts, such as: old-time music and dance, square dancing, honky-tonk, dancing, old-time harmonica, and more.
August: Enjoy the Late Summer Bliss
Sourwood Festival: Held in mid-August, the Sourwood Festival has been a beloved tradition since 1977 celebrating local culture and the sourwood honey season. The festival features arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, delicious food, and activities for all ages, attracting visitors from near and far. This year’s festival dates are August 10-11
All Summer Long Activities
Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains: June is perfect for exploring the scenic trails around Black Mountain. Popular hikes include Graybeard, Lookout Trail, Two Sisters and a View, Lake Tomahawk and nearby Catawba Falls.
G5 Trail System in Old Fort offers an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. This recently expanded trail system features various difficulty levels, catering to both beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. With scenic vistas, lush forests, and well-maintained paths, the G5 Trail System is a must-visit for adventure seekers visiting Black Mountain.
Lake Tomahawk Park: Spend a relaxing day at Lake Tomahawk Park. With its serene lake, walking trails, and picnic areas, it’s an ideal spot for a summer outing.
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center: Dive into the rich history of the Swannanoa Valley at this fascinating museum. July often features special exhibits and guided tours, providing insights into the area’s heritage and its role in shaping the region.
Black Mountain Golf Course: Take advantage of the warm summer days with a round of golf at the scenic Black Mountain Golf Course. Known for its beautiful landscape and challenging holes, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while honing your golf skills.
Escape Room: Step into a world of mystery and intrigue as you and your team work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and ultimately escape before time runs out. Gather your friends, sharpen your wits, and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with twists, turns, and the satisfaction of cracking codes and unlocking secrets.
Exceptional Locally Made Craft Beverages: Black Mountain, NC, isn’t just a hub for outdoor adventures and cultural delights—it’s also a treasure trove for those in search of unique craft beverages. Embark on a flavorful journey through the town’s breweries, distillery, and Meadery.
Historic Walking Tours: Learn the history of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley on a walking tour led by the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center. Learn the history of several buildings and discuss topics including the construction of the Swannanoa Tunnel, the disastrous downtown fire of 1912, the formation of the town of Black Mountain, and the rich musical history of downtown.
Tailgate Market: Celebrating 30 years of community this year! Every Saturday morning from 9am -12pm featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, pastries, coffee, live music, and locally handcrafted items.
Stroll Main Street and Shop Local: You’ll find everything from handmade pottery, European gifts, clothing, and jewelry to antiques, locally made candles, lotions, hand-woven baskets, and quilts. Most all of our shops are family-owned and operated.
Culinary Explosion: Black Mountain is also a great place to visit for its food! The restaurant scene is eclectic with everything ranging from farm-to-table, South African, Argentinian, Latin, French, fresh seafood, Japanese, and Chinese to a modern twist on classic southern cuisine. You can also find everything to satisfy your sweet tooth with local bakeries, chocolate, and homemade ice cream in Black Mountain. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Plan Your Visit
No matter when you visit Black Mountain this summer, there’s always something exciting to do. From vibrant festivals and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and relaxing retreats, Black Mountain is a destination that captures the essence of a perfect summer getaway. For more information and to plan your trip, visit www.visitblackmountainnc.org
Come and experience the charm of Black Mountain, where every summer day offers a new adventure!
Looking for more local Black Mountain, NC events? click here to visit our calendar.
