The 2026 Sourwood Festival Returns to Black Mountain for Its Sweetest Year Yet
August 8–9, 2026 | Historic Downtown Black Mountain (note: this article is updated as new information is received)
Every August, something special happens in Black Mountain. The scent of blooming sourwood trees drifts through the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown fills with artists and musicians, and thousands of visitors gather for one of North Carolina’s most beloved summer traditions—the Sourwood Festival.
Now celebrating its 49th year the 2026 Sourwood Festival returns Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, bringing together Appalachian culture, award-winning sourwood honey, handcrafted art, incredible food, and live entertainment throughout downtown.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another sweet weekend, here’s everything you need to know.
Dates: Saturday, Aug 8 & Sunday, Aug 9, 2026
Admission: FREE
Location: Historic Downtown Black Mountain
- 110+ Artisan Vendors
- Live Music
- Food Court
- Beer Garden
- Local Honey
- Family Activities
Why You Should Visit
Every August, Black Mountain transforms into one of the most vibrant small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Streets fill with local artists, musicians perform on nearly every corner, restaurants create special honey-inspired dishes, and thousands gather to celebrate one of Appalachia’s sweetest traditions.
Vendors
Over 110 vendors from all over are showcasing a variety of items, including the honey the festival is named for, pottery, jewelry, paintings, art, wood items, soaps, lotions, and more.
Live Music
Local Business Highlights
While festival vendors offer plenty of snacks and treats, one of the best reasons to spend the weekend in Black Mountain is its thriving restaurant scene. Within just a few walkable blocks, you’ll find locally owned cafés, breweries, bakeries, cocktail bars, pizza shops, Southern restaurants, and farm-to-table dining.
BBQ, Fireworks & More
The Asheville East KOA, located in Swannanoa, is hosting a Kansas City BBQ competition with more than 45 pit masters the same weekend as the Sourwood Festival. A burger competition among local chefs will also be held at the campground.
A shuttle will run between the Sourwood Festival in downtown Black Mountain and the Asheville East KOA on Saturday so festivalgoers can attend both events.
Fireworks will also be hosted Aug. 7 at the Asheville East KOA.
Parking
One of the best things about the Sourwood Festival is how easy it is to enjoy. There is parking all around town and shuttle services running from the local Ingles grocery store off Exit 64 on I-40 every 15 minutes to Terry Estate Drive.
Road Closures
Cherry Street, Sutton Avenue, Black Mountain Avenue, Terry Estates, and a small portion of Vance Avenue close to traffic for the festival.
Food Court
The food court will be located on Sutton Ave. Snack and food vendors are on-site throughout, and 38+ local restaurants, tap rooms, and cocktail bars are all around the festival footprint.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms on Cherry Street and in Town Square, plus regular and handicap-accessible porta-johns throughout the festival area.
Pets
Well-behaved pets are welcome on a leash — clean up after them, and consider leaving them home during the hottest part of the day.
