Festivals
The High Country was historically isolated from the conveniences of city life. People here sustained homesteads through hard work, and learned to utilize what they harvested to create what they needed. Many of those arts and crafts developed long ago are still being produced by local artisans and craftspeople. In the heart of every town and hamlet here, you’ll find shops and co-ops, galleries and studios, and festivals as well as art supply outlets where you can watch demonstrations of authentic crafts and original artwork, sign up for a workshop or purchase a one-of-a-kind treasure as a gift, or for yourself.
An Appalachian Summer Festival
Presented by Appalachian State University Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus, and features a diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming.
The festival has risen in stature to become one of the nations most highly respected summer festivals, acclaimed for the breadth and quality of its artistic programming.
The festivals roster of notable artists has included: The Beach Boys,Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jennifer Nettles, Sutton Foster, The Avett Brothers, Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, Pink Martini, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Jerry Douglas Band, Chris Botti, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Patti Lupone, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson, Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley, Bruce Hornsby, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, kd lang, Sheryl Crow, Triad Stage, the Eastern Festival Orchestra, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Pilobolus, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lily Tomlin, Garrison Keillor and Idina Menzel, among many others.
A global film series, lectures and workshops, and a world-class visual arts program featuring two national, juried competitions and a dynamic exhibition program are also key components of the festivals distinctive programming mix.
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MerleFest
Committed to producing a high quality diversified American roots based musical experience that attracts a broad audience and reunites guests, supporters and performers in an annual celebration of Americana music.
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Todd Community Preservation Org.
The Todd Community Preservation Organization was established in 1999 and its mission is to preserve our community's history, natural beauty and culture while creating a sustainable community.
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