Live Entertainment
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.
Ensemble Stage
Established in 2009, Ensemble Stage is the NC High Country's only year-round professional theater. Located in the heart of Banner Elk, our professional main stage productions, performed throughout the year, are a mix of heart-warming comedies, historical dramas, suspense thrillers, comedy farces, and thought-provoking dramas.
Our live staged radio plays pay homage to the golden days of radio as we perform adapted radio classics from the 30's like, War of the Worlds, Miracle on 34th Street, Dracula, A Christmas Carol, etc. and present them similar to the way they were originally, including all the sound effects being performed live on stage.
Our theater camps and acting classes are all conducted by theater professionals and provide a wonderful creative outlet and encourage the use of imagination. Our kids summer theater camps are limited to only 12 students and the kids write and perform their own plays.
If you are looking for something that's a lot of fun yet a little risque' our musical interactive murder mysteries will certainly fulfill your needs.
During the Summer we also have our Kids Summer Saturday Theatre Series with shows specifically selected for a child's enjoyment and performed by local college theater majors.
Finally, our annual holiday musical variety has become a Christmas time tradition. This fast-paced show is patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television Christmas specials of the 60's and 70's with women in beautiful dresses, guys in tuxedos, lots of singing, dancing, comedy sketches and more.
Ticket prices for a show at Ensemble Stage range from $6 to $25 depending on the production.
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"The Schaefer Center Presents..." Performance Series at Appalachian State
Presented by Appalachian State University's Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, this annual performing arts series features the finest in touring performances from September-April.
World-class jazz, theatre, film, dance, world music and more, designed to enrich the cultural landscape of our region.
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Horn In The West
Premiering in 1952, Horn in the West is considered one of three legacy outdoor dramas in America.
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama brings to life the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the years before and during the War for Independence.
The 73rd Season will be JULY 10- AUGUST 2 and three nights a week.
July 10, 11, 12 | July 17, 18, 19 | July 24, 25, 26 | July 31, August 1, 2
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Fercott Fermentables
Fercott Fermentables is a unique shop located in downtown Lenoir NC. Fercott's specializes in craft beer, fine wine, cider, mead, and specialty cheeses. Featuring a rotating small plate menu and specialty cheese and charcuterie boards, Fercott's is the perfect place to wind down after work, or enjoy a chilled night out with family and friends.
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Jones House Cultural Center
Located downtown, the 1908 Jones House is the cultural hub of Boone. Drop by daily (except Monday) for historic information on the town of Boone.
MAZIE JONES GALLERY
Located in the Jones House, the rotating gallery features art from local artists and community groups. Artists receptions are held the first Friday of the month.
OLD TIME JAM
Held every Thursday from 7:30-11pm, the jam is free and open to the public. Bring an instrument and join along or listen and observe.
CONCERT SERIES
Indoor concerts are held in the cooler months. Check the website for dates,performers and tickets.
Summer concerts are held on the Jones House lawn every Friday at 5pm. Concerts are free, just bring a chair or blanket for seating. (Downtown parking is free after 5!)
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Singing on the Mountain
Singing on the Mountain at Grandfather Mountains, McRae Meadows returns in 2025! Celebrating Gospel Music on Grandfather Mountain since 1924. For over one hundred years, this special event has brought families together to celebrate the rich tradition of Gospel Music. ALL are welcome!
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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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Watauga County Arts Council
Watauga County Arts Council's features a gift shop offering local arts/crafts, four galleries, and classrooms filled with arts workshops, classes, music lessons, and Arty Parties.
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Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
The newly-renovated 1938 art deco landmark, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country is now open!
The 629 seat theatre showcases regional, national and international acts, movies and corporate events year round.
The theatre also features a meeting space with separate entrance that can accommodate 113 guests.
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Lees-McRae Summer Theater
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is committed to producing quality theatre experiences.
This 2025 season we present:
NUNSENSE
June 1–4
When tragedy strikes the Little Sisters of Hoboken, they hit the stage to raise funds for their convent. An international phenomenon, Nunsense is a heavenly delight, with over 5,000 productions!
THE COTTAGE
June 22–28
An uproarious hit on Broadway, we are excited to welcome you to The Cottage, Lees-McRae Summer Theatres first play offering in over a decade! When two lovers secretly meet at their favorite countryside English cottage in 1923 for their yearly tryst, they expect nothing but bliss...but then the doorbell starts ringing. As their spouses arrive, a hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous—potentially murderous—comedy. This Carol-Burnett-meets-Downton-Abbey comedy is perfect for a date night or a girl's night out!
1940 A NEW MUSICAL
July 18–24
It is 1940. The Depression has ended and Hitler is making noise in Europe. But at the Mast General Store, storytellers and musicians from the back of Beech Mountain gather to spin a yarn or a song. They are a hearty lot, able to withstand a major flood and the ravages of the depression, yet maintain their charm, their humor, and their willingness to impart wisdom needed to be heard in today's world. A fresh mountain musical full of friendly faces and familiar places from creators Janet Barton Speer, John Thomas Oaks, and Tommy Oaks!
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The Historic Orchard at Altapass
THE ORCHARD
The Historic Orchard at Altapass is a non-profit heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue, and education center with a mission to preserve the history, heritage, and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is open seasonally, May through October, and offers a variety of memory-making activities, sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
APPLES
During the harvest season, over 35 heirloom apple varieties are available, with some varieties being available as early as mid-July, and others ripening into late October. Each variety offers something special through unique textures and complex flavor profiles. Whether you’d like to take home some bagged apples or have the full u-picking experience, fresh apples are available behind our General Store (the big red barn) in our Apple shed.
MUSIC AND FUN
The orchard offers free live music each weekend from June through October in a beautiful outdoor pavilion overlooking the Blue Ridge. Enjoy traditional mountain music, dance a bit, play a game on the back deck, and take a stroll down to the Apple Core Grill for a Jumbo BBQ Sandwich. Be sure to check our events page for details.
GENERAL STORE
Our General Store, located in the big red barn, partners with regional artisans and craftsmen to offer a curated selection of local items. There you’ll find everything from tasty treats like warm apple pie and handmade fudge to jarred preserves, jewelry, books, ceramics, and signature clothing.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
In keeping with its mission to educate the public about the Appalachian experience, the Orchard offers a variety of educational experiences. Visit the model train exhibit with a replica of the Orchard land, stop by our indoor Monarch butterfly exhibit, and search for the queen bee in our honeybee apiary.
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Mountain Home Music
Mountain Home Music celebrates Appalachian musicians, dancers, storytellers and poets. The Appalachian tradition includes celtic, old-time, bluegrass and African American forms of artistic expression.
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Ashe County Arts Council
The Ashe Co. Arts Council is the "hub" of the arts in West Jefferson NC. Changing gallery exhibits,concerts,festivals, downtown murals and barn quilt information is all here!
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