Fun Things to Do
in the High Country
Free Income Tax Assistance
Event Description:
The Watauga County Public Library is taking appointments for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in partnership with students and professors from Appalachian State University’s Department of Accounting and the Walker College of Business.
The VITA program offers free basic tax preparation and electronic filing to eligible low- to moderate-income residents with a 2025 gross income of $69,000 or less. All VITA volunteers are certified by the IRS. To sign up for an appointment, call (828) 386-7600 or (828) 832-0036 and leave a message with the preferred day and time, your name and a call-back number.
The VITA program will run until April 11, with appointments available on Friday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The service will be offered in the meeting room of the Watauga County Public Library at 140 Queen Street, one block up from the Mast General Store on King Street in Downtown Boone. There will be no service on March 13 and 14 due to Appalachian State University’s spring break, and on April 3 and 4 due to Easter weekend, since the Library is closed.
More Information:
Library offering free income tax assistance | Local News | wataugademocrat.com
High Peaks Leads Grandfather Mountain Hike
Event Description:
Experienced, fit hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association hike to Grandfather Mountain – also known as Calloway Peak – on Friday, March 27.
This is a tough out-and-back loop hike that covers 8 miles along the Tanawha, Daniel Boone Scout and Cragway Trails. There is some scrambling on rock faces as well as traversing three ladders bolted to steep faces, so this hike is not for those afraid of heights and not suited for dogs.
More Information:
High Peaks Leads Grandfather Mountain Hike March 27 | WKYK
Hike leader: Jimmie Bowen jimmie@nchighpeaks.org 252-450-5224
Rivers House Park Invasive Plant Workday
Event Description:
Ring in Springtime and join us for a fun morning filled with plant identification and eradication with our friends from the The Mayor’s Ecological Task Force, Blue Ridge Conservancy, and Transition Blue Ridge. Volunteers will be focusing on identifying and eradicating non-native plants like barberry, oriental bittersweet, and garlic mustard. We’ll be using a variety of eradication methods such as cut and dab, traditional pulling, and root extraction.
More Information:
Rivers House Park Invasive Plant Workday in Boone, NC 3/27 | MountainTrue
Big Hero 6 *film*
Admission:
FREE
Doors open 4:30 PM
Event Description:
Rated PG
Runtime 1hr 48min
More Information/Reserve Tickets:
Big Hero 6 (2014) Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Whitetop Mountain Annual Maple Festival
Location:
Main Festival Area: 51 Firehouse Road, Whitetop, VA
Community Center: 16309 Highlands Parkway, Whitetop, VA
Event Description:
Come join us for a family-friendly good time. Enjoy a pancake meal with genuine maple syrup and some traditional mountain music. Pancakes will be served at the community center, all day Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the day, tapping tours will be offered on Whitetop Mountain, and local musicians will be performing at the Fire Hall. All proceeds from this event go to support Mt Rogers Fire & Rescue.
Pricing and More Information:
Maple Festival
The Big Sleep *film*
Admission:
$6 General Admission
Doors open 1:30 PM
Event Description:
Runtime 1hr 54min
More Information/Buy Tickets:
The Big Sleep Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Forging the Future *Fundraiser*
Pricing:
$75 individual
$125 couple
Event Description:
The Western North Carolina Sculpture Center has announced its first-ever major fundraising event, “Forging the Future,” taking place on Saturday, March 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted at the Harper Room in Downtown Lenoir, this event marks a significant milestone in the Center’s mission to bring world-class sculptural art and education to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
More Information:
Forging the Future | sculpture
Girl Climber *film*
Admission:
$15 Standard
$12 Student
$20 Day of Show
Doors open 6:30 PM
*This event supports the recent Blue Ridge Conservancy purchase of the Howard Knob Boulders*
Event Description:
Girl Climber Director and Filmmaker, Jon Glassberg will introduce his film and a short panel on the convergence of climbing, recreation, conservation, and community will take place after the film screening. Arrive early to allow time to meet and connect with The Blue Ridge Conservancy and other sponsors of this event and for concessions purchases featuring a full line of popcorn, candy, cookies, soda, water, beer and wine. There will be a short panel conversation with local community leaders before the feature film that will explore the convergence of climbing, recreation, conservation, and community.
More Information/Buy Tickets:
Girl Climber Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience
Admission:
BEJEWELED ADULT - $40
BEJEWELED STUDENT - $25
FEARLESS ADULT - $30
FEARLESS STUDENT - $15
Reserved Seating - Doors open 5:15 PM
Event Description:
Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience recreates the magic of the Eras Tour in a spectacular, unforgettable show starring Traci Marie as Taylor. Traci’s attention to detail will not go unnoticed by Swifties. Her authentic costumes, mannerisms, and voice embody the essence of Taylor Swift. This theatrical style show is filled with everything you’d expect to see from the Eras Tour: choreography, stunning multimedia visuals, costume changes, and audience participation.
More Information/Buy Tickets:
Are You Ready For It? - A Taylor Experience Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Sacred Feminine Healing
Price:
Free Workshop
Limited to 15 participants, please register to save your spot.
Register by April 3, 1PM
Event Description:
This is a free Ecotherapy workshop for Women and Transwomen participants only, due to the generous support from the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge. This workshop is crafted to be welcoming to anyone new to emotional discovery in Nature. You are welcome to share as much or as little about yourself during our time together. And, these practices are meant to be revisited over time and with your own community so that healing can ripple out through natural connections.
Light lunch and snacks will be provided. Rain or sunshine event.
More Information:
Events — Full Moon Farm Collective
Rivers House Park Invasive Plant Workday
Event Description:
Ring in Springtime and join us for a fun morning filled with plant identification and eradication with our friends from the The Mayor’s Ecological Task Force, Blue Ridge Conservancy, Transition Blue Ridge and The Speckled Trout Outfitters. Volunteers will be focusing on identifying and eradicating non-native plants like barberry, oriental bittersweet, and garlic mustard. We’ll be using a variety of eradication methods such as cut and dab, traditional pulling, and root extraction. We’ll form teams to focus on certain species and see who can get the most invasive plants off the property!
More Information:
Rivers House Park Invasive Plant Workday in Boone, NC 3/27 | MountainTrue
Mushroom Day!
Price:
Sliding Scale fee $5 - $50
Register by April 11 (4pm)
Event Description:
This workshop brings you closer to the fungal realm with a combination of inoculation, wild mushroom foraging, and celebrating their role in the garden. Rain or shine event.
More Information:
Events — Full Moon Farm Collective
Extension Master Food Volunteer Program
2026 Applications for Watauga County NOW OPEN!
Key Details:
Do you enjoy cooking, learning about diet and health, or local
food system work? If so, the Extension Master Food Volunteer
program may be a perfect opportunity!
Volunteers receive a core curriculum of 30 hours of training
which includes field trips, and then assist the Nutrition and
Foods Extension agent for 30 hours during their first year.
Volunteer activities may include:
Assisting with cooking and food preservation classes
Conducting food demonstrations in the community
Helping with youth nutrition and cooking education programs
Location: Agricultural Conference Center, Boone, NC
Training Dates: Every Thursday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM on 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
Fee: $90 (covers snacks, educational materials, field trips, and admin fees)
For questions or to apply: Contact Margie Mansure at margie_mansure@ncsu.edu
Spring Native Plant Sale at Daniel Boone Native Gardens
Event Description:
We’ll have dozens of varieties of perennials, ferns, grasses, sedges, trees, and shrubs native to this region and well-suited to local growing conditions, including some rare species. All responsibly propagated in accordance with all plant-protection laws.
Quantities are limited, so come early for the best selection! Check, cash, and credit card accepted
Proceeds will benefit the Blue Ridge Chapter of the NC Native Plant Society and the Daniel Boone Native Gardens.
Held in the Horn in the West parking lot adjacent to the Gardens entrance.
More Information:
Native Plant Sale with Blue Ridge Chapter of NCNPS — Daniel Boone Native Gardens
Boonerang Battle of the Bands #1
Price:
FREE - GENERAL ADMISSION
VIP - $25 (Includes Premium seating plus access to an exclusive VIP Cocktail Lounge including 2 drink tokens) Limited Quantity - 55 seats
Event Description:
Boonerang Music & Arts Festival is pleased to announce the 2026 Battle of the Bands. Selected bands will perform in one of two showcases hosted at the Appalachian Theatre in downtown Boone. The winners of each battle will get a $500 cash prize and be invited to perform a paid spot at the festival, June 20, 2026.
More Information:
Boonerang Battle of the Bands #1 Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Apple Grafting Workshop
Date:
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time:
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location:
Watauga Cooperative Extension Service
(Exact address provided upon registration)
Description:
Watauga Cooperative Extension Service will offer an apple grafting workshop where participants will learn the uses and techniques of grafting fruit trees. The class will be taught by Bill Hoffman of the Avery County Extension Service. Attendees will have the opportunity to graft their own apple trees and take home two apple trees they create during the workshop.
A variety of heirloom apple scion wood will be available. Participants may also bring their own scion wood if they wish.
Cost / Registration:
$10 per person
Payment accepted by cash or check made payable to Watauga County at the beginning of class.
Credit cards cannot be accepted.
Participation is limited to 12 participants.
Additional Information:
https://watauga.ces.ncsu.edu/2026/01/apple-grafting-workshop-to-be-offered/
4th Annual Seed/Plant Swap
Event Description:
Come swap seeds, get free plants and learn gardening tips with us on March 22nd. Sign up, then attend all or part of the event.
Classes from 1:30-3:40 pm
Seed Swap Begins at 4:00 pm
Free Seeds and Plants, free raffle for unique plants
More Information:
Watauga Extension Seed / Plant Swap and Classes Tickets, Sun, Mar 22, 2026 at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
Price:
$40
Event Description:
Empty Bowls is a unique collaboration where local potters and Watauga High School students spend months handcrafting ceramic bowls. Attendees can pick out the handmade bowl they’d like to take home and enjoy soup donated by local restaurants.
Proceeds from Empty Bowls go directly to the Hunger and Health Coalition, supporting the agency’s food pantry, pharmacy and free clinic programs. Community support of this event has raised $160,000 to date for HHC — a moving display of neighbors showing up for neighbors.
Tickets/More Information:
The Hunger and Health Coalition
Tristan und Isolde
Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | Doors open at 11:30 AM, Show at 12:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Ticket Info:
Standard: $25.01
Child (18 & under): $5
Student: $5 (valid ID required)
All Seats Reserved
Taxes and fees included
Purchase Tickets: [Insert Link]
Event Description:
Tristan und Isolde brings a landmark opera experience to Boone as part of the Met Live in HD series. Lise Davidsen stars as Isolde, with Michael Spyres as Tristan, in Richard Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death. This performance features a new Met-debut staging by visionary director Yuval Sharon and marks Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s first time conducting Tristan und Isolde at the Met. Supporting cast includes Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangäne, Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal, and Ryan Speedo Green as King Marke.
Experience a cinematic transmission of this operatic masterpiece, capturing all the drama, music, and emotion of a live Metropolitan Opera performance.
Additional Info:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/tristan-und-isolde
2026 Kappa Delta Shamrock 5K *fundraiser*
Entry Fee:
$30 (by March 18)
Event Description:
5k kicks off at 10am → race day check-in begins at 8:30am
Boone Greenway Trail "Clawson Burnley Start Point" 355 M.L.K Jr St. Boone NC 28607
We are raising money to donate to our local and national philanthropies! 80% of the profits go to the Children's Council of Watauga County and the other 20% of our profits go to Prevent Child Abuse America.
More Information:
2026 Kappa Delta Shamrock 5k
Family Day at King Street Market
Event Description:
The market will have activities for all ages, and families are encouraged to take this time to explore what the farmers market has to offer. There will be a face painting station, a food-based craft activity, and a Parent Group Time hosted by The Children’s Council.
More Information:
Family Day at King Street Market offering fun, food and resources
Puppy Pals LIVE
Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 | Doors open at 5:30 PM, Show at 6:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Ticket Info:
Standard: $19
Student: $9
All Seating is Reserved
All-In Pricing (taxes and fees included)
Purchase Tickets: [Insert Link]
Event Description:
Puppy Pals LIVE is a family-friendly, action-packed show featuring adopted and rescued dogs performing spectacular stunts and tricks. Audience members will enjoy comical and challenging feats as the puppies demonstrate agility, skill, and comedic timing. This engaging show combines canine stunts, laughter, and heartwarming moments, making it a hit across America and perfect for audiences of all ages.
More Info:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/puppy-pals-live
Old Crow Medicine Show
Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | Doors open at 7:00 PM, Show at 7:30 PM
Location: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Ticket Info:
Adult Reserved: $55
O.C.M.S. Front Row VIP Package: $205 (includes front row ticket, meet & greet, personal photo with band members, commemorative VIP laminate, autographed exclusive gift, early access to merchandise, priority entry; limited to 6)
O.C.M.S. Premium Seat Package: $155 (includes second row ticket, meet & greet, personal photo, commemorative VIP laminate, autographed exclusive gift, early access to merchandise, priority entry; limited to 24)
Ticket price includes fees; taxes calculated at checkout
Purchase Tickets: [Insert Link]
Event Description:
Old Crow Medicine Show returns with the O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots, performing their first two label releases (O.C.M.S. and Big Iron World) in their entirety. These intimate shows celebrate the band’s earliest recordings and the small venues where those songs first took shape. With a stripped-down configuration emphasizing the songs themselves, this tour reconnects audiences with the heart of Old Crow’s music—up close and personal. The Back to the Roots tour highlights the band’s role in defining the modern American roots movement while honoring the tradition of folk and string-band music.
More Info:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/ocms
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026
Pricing:
$20 standard
$15 students
Event Description:
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival (BANFF) is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world. Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports the 2024/2025 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.
More Information:
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026 | Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts | Appalachian State University