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
The Grascals with Olivia Jo
Event Title: The Grascals with Olivia Jo
Date & Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | Doors open at 6:15 PM, Show at 7:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Ticket Info:
Standard: $35
Student: $16
All seating reserved, all ages (children under 17 must be with a parent/legal guardian)
All-In Pricing (includes fees and taxes)
Purchase Tickets: [Insert Link]
Event Description:
Few bands have made as lasting an impact on bluegrass music as The Grascals. Their blend of modern traditional bluegrass, gospel, and country influences, paired with world-class musicianship, has earned them a top spot in acoustic music. From Dolly Parton collaborations to performances for U.S. Presidents, The Grascals have garnered IBMA awards, GRAMMY nominations, and global acclaim.
Supporting act Olivia Jo, a rising bluegrass artist, brings soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery to complement the evening’s high-energy performances.
More Info:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/thegrascals
Rakish
Date & Time: Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Doors open at 6:30 PM, Show at 7:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Ticket Info:
Standard: $15
Student: $9
All seating reserved, all ages (children under 17 must be with a parent/legal guardian)
All-In Pricing (includes fees and taxes)
Purchase Tickets: [Insert Link]
Event Description:
Rooted in tradition with an ear toward the future, contemporary folk duo Rakish blend Appalachian, Celtic, and Americana styles into a wholly unique sound. Fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin, raised in the Appalachian Mountains, brings expressive fiddling and clawhammer banjo techniques, while guitarist Conor Hearn contributes literary-inspired compositions from the D.C. Irish music scene. Their album Now, O Now showcases their dexterous mix of old and new, pushing traditional sounds forward with creativity and infectious playfulness.
More Info:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/rakish
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
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
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
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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
The Art of Walking
Key Details & Link: Monthly guided hikes/walks on first Fridays with Friends of the Blue Ridge
Friends of the Blue Ridge offers a free 3-mile walk with an art theme to complement the First Friday Art Crawl in Boone. No experience with art is needed. Part of the walk is paved with a river and mountain views and part is a natural surface complete with roots, rocks and hills. After the hike, there is an option to meet at the Turchin Center for the Arts to enjoy some of the Art Crawl in downtown Boone.
More Info: https://www.wataugademocrat.com/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/3299128-the-art-of-walking
The Art of Walking
Date & Time:
Friday, March 6, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location:
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
423 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28608
Event Description:
Join “The Art of Walking,” a 3-mile loop along Boone Greenway and Kennedy Trail with an art theme to complement the First Friday Art Crawl in Boone. No experience with art or writing is needed, though a love for walking in nature is encouraged.
During the walk, participants will have time to sit, draw, or write about the experience. Journaling is optional, and there’s no need to share your work. The Kennedy Trail features a natural surface with roots, rocks, and hills, offering a beautiful, immersive experience.
After the walk, the group can reconvene at the Turchin Center for the Arts at 5:00 PM to enjoy the First Fridays Art Crawl in downtown Boone. The event is free, but registration is suggested.
More Information:
https://downtownboonenc.com/eventinfo/the-art-of-walking/2026-03-06/
Boone Docs Film Festival
Date & Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026
“After Helene” & “Emerging Filmmakers” – 11:00 AM (Doors open at 10:30 AM, FREE & Open to the Public)
“Celebration of Appalachia” – 6:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM, $12 General Admission)
Location: Appalachian Theatre, Boone, NC
Event Host / Sponsor: Friends of the Blue Ridge, Lily’s Snack Bar & High Country Humanities
Admission / Tickets:
General Admission: $12 for evening program
Morning program is FREE & Open to the Public
All Seating is General Admission
Children under 17 admitted with parent/legal guardian
Taxes included in ticket price
Event Description:
The 5th Annual BooneDocs Film Festival presents a series of short-form documentaries celebrating life in Appalachia. This program includes a full slate of films, filmmaker Q&A, and on-stage awards for "Judges' Choice," "Student Filmmaker," and "People's Choice." Morning screenings “After Helene” & “Emerging Filmmakers” are free and open to the public, while the evening program “Celebration of Appalachia” requires tickets.
More Information / Tickets:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/boone-docs-2026
Wilson Creek Planting Event
Event Description:
The Hickory TU chapter in cooperation with Catawba Riverkeeper has arranged for a livestake and tree planting event for bank protection on Wilson Creek, Saturday, February 28th, from 10-2. The event will take place at the middle bridge (just above the old mill foundation and handicap area). Park in the lot just above the bridge to the right and if full additional parking just beyond and to the left under the power lines. If you have a sledge or shovel, please bring them along. We will have soda and water, but please bring your own lunch. If you plan to attend, please email us at hkynctu@gmail.com.
The Beast Touch The Mountain
Date & Time:
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location:
Appalachian Theatre / Boone Docs Film Festival
All Ages (children under 17 admitted with parent/legal guardian)
Admission:
Free & Open to the Public
All seating is reserved.
Event Description:
Boone Docs Film Festival, with the generous support of High Country Humanities, is thrilled to welcome James Mottern to share his documentary The Beast Touch The Mountain, followed by a post-film discussion moderated by Julie Shepherd-Powell (Appalachian Studies).
A Beast Touch The Mountain follows a group of Appalachian women in Bent Mountain, Virginia, who fought for a decade to protect their land and their way of life against a greedy and corrupt fossil fuel pipeline. The fight intensifies as the Mountain Valley Pipeline receives approval from Joe Manchin, putting the community at risk. This documentary highlights resilience, activism, and the power of local communities to defend their heritage and environment.
Target Audience:
Local community members, documentary enthusiasts, families, and those interested in Appalachian culture and activism.
More Information / Tickets:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/a-beast-touch-the-mountain
5th Annual Boone Docs Film Festival
Date & Time: Saturday, February 27, 2026
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Event Description:
The 2026 Boone Docs Film Festival celebrates its 5th year of showcasing short documentaries focused on the people who live and work in Appalachia. This festival provides an opportunity to explore the culture, history, and stories of the High Country through the lens of talented filmmakers. Attendees will enjoy a variety of short films, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and on-stage award presentations, including "Judges' Choice," "Student Filmmaker," and "People's Choice."
Audience / Notes:
All Ages / Families / Community & Culture Event
Recommended for anyone interested in Appalachian life, arts, and culture.
More Information:
https://downtownboonenc.com/eventinfo/5th-annual-boone-docs-film-festival/
Barberry Removal Workday at Strawberry Hill Arboretum
Event Description:
It’s never too early to get our public green spaces ready for Springtime! Thanks to our friends at Transition Blue Ridge and The Town of Boone Mayor’s Ecological Task Force, we are thrilled to be part of a Barberry eradication effort at Strawberry Hill. A hidden gem of the town, this arboretum is in desperate need of Japanese Barberry removal! We’ll cut the stems and dig up the root to selectively remove and eradicate each invasive Barberry bush. Barberry root is a source of berberine, a compound supportive of digestion, immune function, and cardiovascular health. After removal, the root will be utilized by a local herbalist for making medicine. We hope to see y’all there! Youth are welcome but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the workday.
Parking available: Boone Jaycee Park (728 Horn in the West Dr, Boone, NC 28607) and the Boone Native Gardens (651 Horn in the West Dr, Boone, NC 28607)
More Information:
Barberry Removal Workday at Strawberry Hill Arboretum in Boone, NC 2/27 | MountainTrue
Emma Crider (828) 617-0824 emma@mountaintrue.org
Tannahill Weavers
Key Detail & Link:
Date:
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time:
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location:
Ashe Civic Center
962 Mount Jefferson Road, West Jefferson, NC
Description:
Enjoy an evening with the Tannahill Weavers, one of the world’s premier traditional Celtic bands. Their performances feature centuries-spanning repertoire, from energetic instrumentals and topical songs to ballads, lullabies, and stories of life in Scotland.
Tickets / More Information:
Tickets available online at www.ashecountyarts.org
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Key Detail & Link:
Date:
Wednesday, February 26
Time:
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Admission:
$28 – $35
Location:
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
559 West King Street, Boone, NC
Description:
Direct from Scotland, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers bring their high-energy “BAGROCK” sound to Boone combining traditional Scottish bagpipes and drums with rock anthems in a thrilling live performance. This award-winning, multi-platinum Celtic rock band delivers an electrifying show that appeals to all ages, blending heritage and modern music into an unforgettable night at the Appalachian Theatre.
More Information:
https://blowingrock.com/event/the-red-hot-chilli-pipers/
The Sheets Family Band
Price:
RSVP, Suggestion donation $10-$20
Event Description:
The Jones House Cultural Center is presenting an intimate indoor concert featuring The Sheets Family Band, with special guest Cecil Gurganus.
More Information/RSVP:
Indoor Concerts — Jones House Cultural Center
Wool Landscapes – Galaxita Workshop
Key Details & Link:
A guided fiber arts workshop where participants will create a wool landscape using needle felting techniques.
No prior art experience is required. Participants will gather around a communal table with colorful wool roving,
rustic wood frames, and watercolor templates while learning to “paint” with fibers and a needle. Each attendee will
leave with a ready-to-hang piece of fiber art.
The $95 fee includes all materials. SAHC members receive $10 off.
More Information:
https://galaxita.com/guest-contact-feb-22-2-5-wool-sahc/
Boonerang: Returning to the High Country (film)
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. / Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
FREE - GENERAL ADMISSION
Reserve Tickets: Boonerang: Returning to the High Country Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Event Description:
Join us for a visual chronicling of the 2025 Boonerang Music & Arts Festival. The film will explore the origins of the term “Boonerang,” the music & arts festival itself, why people come back to the area, the regional impacts of Hurricane Helene, and the importance of the 2025 festival being the first one since the community faced the tragedy of a natural disaster.
Through the lens of local leaders, musicians, artists, and festival organizers we learn what makes this creative community so tight knit, and why people are drawn back to Boone and the surrounding areas.
More Information:
Boonerang: Returning to the High Country — The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
Afternoon Tea: History, Recipes, and Etiquette
Key Detail & Link:
Date:
Saturday, February 21
Time:
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location:
Watauga County Center
252 Poplar Grove Road, Boone, NC
Description:
Join this hands-on class to gain a deeper appreciation for Afternoon Tea, learn historical context, explore recipes, and build the confidence to host your own tea service. A perfect experience for anyone interested in culinary traditions and cultural enrichment.
More Information:
https://watauga.ces.ncsu.edu/event/1979792141590/afternoon-tea-history-recipes-and-etiquette/?source=eventbrite
Winter Tree ID Workshop
Event Description:
Have you ever wanted to identify a tree once it has dropped its leaves? Join us to learn how using key characteristics: twigs, buds, and bark. During this program, we will walk around the Gardens and look closely at common trees so you can develop the skills to identify them even in winter when leaves are gone. (Please dress for the weather and walking on uneven ground.)
Instructor: Julia Showalter, a lecturer on dendrology in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University and Gardens Board Member
No registration required!
Suggested donation: $5 per person - Payable online at www.danielboonenativegardens.org/donate or in person at the workshop. All proceeds will benefit the Gardens, a 501(c)(3) organization.
More Information:
Winter Tree ID Workshop — Daniel Boone Native Gardens
(In the case of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled to March 7. Please check Facebook or Instagram, or send an email to info@danielboonenativegardens.org for updates if the weather is bad)
The Princess Bride (film)
Event Description:
Doors Open: 1:30 PM
FREE General Admission
Presenting the Rob Reiner directed, classic fantasy comedy.
The Princess Bride (1987) - A fairytale adventure about farmhand Westley, who must rescue his true love, Buttercup, from marrying the evil Prince Humperdinck, all framed as a grandfather reading a story to his grandson. After being presumed dead at sea, the legendary Dread Pirate Roberts returns as a mysterious masked man to overcome a giant, a Spanish swordsman (Inigo Montoya seeking revenge), and a genius, battling impossible odds to reunite with Buttercup and save her from a war-starting plot. Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes - Rated PG
More Information:
The Princess Bride (1987) Tickets | Boone, NC | Appalachian Theatre
Community Open House
Date & Time:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location:
Penland School of Craft
67 Doras Trail, Bakersville, NC 28705
Description:
Experience the creativity of Penland School of Craft at their annual Community Open House! Visitors can try free hands-on activities in the teaching studios, led by studio coordinators and assisted by over 100 volunteers. Explore media including glass, iron, clay, metals, textiles, printmaking, wood, paste painting, drawing, bookmaking, and more.
This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages. Enjoy a food truck and visit the school store during your visit. Upon arrival, guests receive a map and overview of activities, with shuttles running from parking areas to the main campus. Accessible parking is available on site.
More Information:
https://averycounty.com/event/community-open-house/
WKSK Live Radio Show
Key Detail & Link:
Date:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Ashe Civic Center
962 Mount Jefferson Road, West Jefferson, NC
Description:
WKSK’s Old Time and Bluegrass Show returns live to the Ashe Civic Center featuring The Dollar Brothers, hosted by Tom Hartman. This free concert celebrates the rich musical heritage of the High Country. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Admission:
Free (donations optional)
More Information:
https://ashechamber.com/event.php?id=6405
Wool Landscapes – Galaxita Workshop
Key Details & Link:
A guided fiber arts workshop where participants will create a wool landscape using needle felting techniques.
No prior art experience is required. Attendees will gather around a communal table with colorful wool roving,
rustic wood frames, and watercolor templates while learning to “paint” with fibers and a needle. Each participant
will leave with a ready-to-hang piece of fiber art.
The $95 fee includes all materials. SAHC members receive $10 off.
More Information:
https://galaxita.com/guest-contact-feb-21-10-1-wool-sahc/
Tuba Skinny
Key Detail & Link:
Date:
Thursday, February 20
Time:
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Admission:
$15 – $29
Location:
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
559 West King Street, Boone, NC
Description:
For over a decade, Tuba Skinny has built a worldwide following through exceptional musicianship and a deep exploration of traditional jazz and American roots music. Their sound spans early jazz, jug band music, spirituals, country blues, ragtime, and New Orleans R&B offering a lively, authentic Americana experience. This performance at the Appalachian Theatre promises an engaging evening for both longtime fans and newcomers.
More Information:
https://blowingrock.com/event/tuba-skinny/
Live staking and Tree Planting Workday
Meet-up location: Watauga River Paddle Trail Water Access, (66C6+69, Valle Crucis, NC 28679)
Event Description:
Join your High Country crew, in partnership with High Country Wild, a local chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) for another live staking workday to kick off the New Year. We will be planting thousands of trees at the park that day, thanks to National Wildlife Federation’s Trees for Wildlife Program.
Please bring: Plenty of water, lunch/snacks, warm layers & gloves (we’ll be in and around the creek, so dress for the weather and make sure you bring items you don’t mind getting dirty), rubber boots and/or waders and an extra set of dry clothes.
**We will have some waders and boots, but bring your own if you have them! We will also have gloves and loppers available.
More Information:
Live staking and Tree Planting Workday with NCWF's High Country Wild Chapter 2/20 | MountainTrue
Heart Health Presentation & Refreshments
Date:
Friday, February 20, 2026
Time:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Lotus Village
179 Combs Street
Sparta, NC 28675
Description:
Join Lotus Village for a free educational session on heart health.
Learn valuable tips for maintaining a healthy heart while enjoying light refreshments.
This event is open to the public and designed to support the local community’s wellness.
More Information:
https://www.alleghanycountychamber.com/events/communityeventscalendar
Blueberry Pruning Workshop
Event Description:
The workshop is free and open to all members of the public who have an interest in managing blueberries as a crop, whether around their homes or as an agricultural business. Register via Eventbrite; people who register will receive any updates regarding weather, etc. Participants should plan to bring long-handled bypass loppers if they have them available and dress warmly, as the entire event will be held outdoors. For more information, contact Watauga Cooperative Extension by emailing rjboylan@ncsu.edu or calling the office at 828-264-3061.
Avery County 4-H Cooking Club
Key Detail & Link:
Date:
Wednesday, February 18
Location:
N.C. Cooperative Extension – Avery County Center
661 Vale Rd, Newland, NC
Description:
Calling all 4-H youth! Join the Avery County 4-H Cooking Club for a hands-on culinary experience.
Participants will learn cooking skills, try new recipes, and have fun with friends in a supportive environment.
Registration is required via the Google Form link below.
Registration / More Info:
Google Form Registration
Contact: Josie Leverett, 4-H Extension Agent or Hannah Presnell, EFNEP Educator — (828) 733-8270
Curtis on Tour Concert
Concert admission is free and open to the public
Event Description:
On February 17 and 18, the stellar classical musicians of Curtis on Tour will visit Appalachian State University as part of the new Barbara and Lawrence Freiman Guest Artist Residency at the Hayes School of Music. In addition to a public concert, Curtis on Tour’s visit includes events for Appalachian State University students such as classroom presentations, performances, and Q&A sessions.
More Information:
Curtis on Tour | Hayes School of Music
The Met: Live in HD – Encore presents Massenet’s Cinderella
Date & Time:
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Doors open: 12:30 PM
Event starts: 1:00 PM
Location:
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Admission / Price:
Standard: $25.01
Child (ages 18 & under): $5
Student (valid ID required): $5
(All seats reserved, taxes & fees included)
Event Description:
Cinderella – An abridged, English-language version of Massenet’s enchanting fairy-tale opera, this performance stars beloved mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as the rags-to-riches title princess and mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as the love-struck Prince Charming, with Emmanuel Villaume on the podium to lead a witty and whimsical production by Laurent Pelly.
This is an encore cinema transmission and part of the Met’s award-winning Live in HD series, bringing opera to movie theaters worldwide. Opera is sung in English. Runtime: 1 hr 55 min, no intermission.
Sponsors:
LifeStore Bank and John & Faye Cooper
More Information / Tickets:
https://www.apptheatre.org/events-and-tickets/cinderella-met-encore
EcoPrinted Patterns – Galaxita Workshop at SAHC Community Farm
Key Detail & Link :
A hands-on botanical printing workshop exploring the art of eco-printing on textiles.
Participants will create repeat patterns using dried botanicals on silk, cotton, and linen.
After steam printing, the class will explore how iron water can create dark contrasting prints
and how natural dye baths add bold color. No prior art experience is required just curiosity and a love of nature.
The $115 fee includes all materials, including one linen napkin and one silk scarf. Additional blank textiles will be available for purchase.
SAHC members receive $10 off.
More Information:
https://galaxita.com/guest-contact-feb-14-11-3-ecoprinted-patterns-sahc/
Be A Sweetheart Fundraiser
Event Description:
For 23 years, Mast Store has matched each pound of bulk candy purchased on Sweetheart weekend with a $1 donation to its local food security partner. While $1 may not sound like it will make a difference, Mast General Store stated that the Hunger & Health Coalition can stretch that single dollar into at least three to four meals for one of its clients.
More Information:
Mast General Store's 'Be a Sweetheart' fundraiser taking place Feb. 14-15 | Main Street | wataugademocrat.com
Boone Store Location | Mast General Store
Opening Reception for “Lost & Found” Exhibit.
Key Details & Link:
Join us for the Opening Reception for “Lost & Found” an exhibition in the gallery at the Ashe Arts Center.
This exhibit showcases the work of local and regional artists around the theme of “Lost and Found” including found object art.
Enjoy a first look at the artwork good company and refreshments.
Exhibit Dates: February 12 – March 7, 2026
More Info: https://ashecountyarts.org/event/lost/
South Yellow Mountain Preserve Hike to Pine Knob
Detail & Link:
Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob,
an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the hike, Park will share insights into
the area’s geology and history. Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, rocky inclines, and possible snowy conditions.
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10)
Cost: Free for SAHC members | $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration required
Contact: park@appalachian.org
Register Here: [https://appalachian.org/event/2026-february-13th-south-yellow-mountain-preserve-hike-to-pine-knob]