Category: Concerts and Events

Grandfather Glows on Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is one of the best places in the Appalachian Mountains to see rare and endanger animals. One of those species of is a species of firefly, known as Photinus carolinus. What makes this firefly so special?

The Photinus carolinus is the only species of firefly in North America whose individuals can synchronize their lighting display, meaning they can flash in unison. Photinus carolinus famously resides in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where it is a major draw for visitors from late May through early June. 

Every summer, Grandfather Mountain hosts a Grandfather Glows nighttime viewing event which take place on the lower half of mountain to view this spectacular phenomenon of millions of fireflies glowing at once.

This year it takes place from June 26, June 29, July 1. 7-11 PM. You can sign up for the waitlist here https://grandfather.com/waitlist/

William Kradel Leave a comment on Grandfather Glows on Grandfather Mountain Boone, Concerts and Events, Hiking, Outdoor Fun

Live Music with the Soulamanders Jan 21

After a great day of skiing there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting down to enjoy good food, drinks and music. Beech Mountain provides all of this at the Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill at the ski resort, which is open to all ages. An event scheduled for next week, on January 21, features the musical talents of the Soulamanders!


The Soulamanders are a musical duo, Levi Trent and Derek McKnight. The two musicians grew up in Southwest Virginia and their music is influenced by folk, reggae and Americana genres.

kradelskabins Leave a comment on Live Music with the Soulamanders Jan 21 Concerts and Events, Skiing Tags , , ,

Blowing Rock Winterfest 2022 January 27-30

As winter continues here in the Boone area, so do the fun winter activities! At the end of January, from 27-30. Thursday-Sunday. And it is packed full of ways to enjoy it no matter your age!

Some of the scheduled outdoor events include an ice carving demonstration on January 29th where experts show how they carve ice sculptures.

In the afternoon of all 4 days is a WinterHawk Tomahawk throwing competition tournament. It is a free event with both an adult and juniors’ division.

Throughout the entire town there also will be plenty of beautiful ice sculptures made by expert sculptors!

There are also some more indoor activities when you are looking to get out of the cold. On Saturday night between 6:30-8, there will be a concert by four different performers at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium.

Admission to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is free during the event as well. A great place to warm up and learn about the history of the area.

You can find all of this and more at the annual Winterfest!

William Kradel Leave a comment on Blowing Rock Winterfest 2022 January 27-30 Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun, Tours, Winter Activities

Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain

With the changing of the season from summer to fall comes the wonderful colors of autumn too. What also comes with autumn of course is Oktoberfest! And Sugar Mountain in Boone is a wonderful place to enjoy it!

Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort from Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10. The festival will be open from 10 am to 5 pm both days. The festival is open for all ages and admission is free. 

No Oktoberfest would be complete without music. From noon until 4pm each day, the Harbour Towne Fest Band with great Bavarian music.

On the ski area grounds, artisans and craftsmen will be selling a variety of their custom made wares. There also will be a wide variety of Bavarian inspired food to eat.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun Tags , ,

MerleFest 2021


Merlefest 2021 is fast approaching, in fact it’s just next week! So what exactly is MerleFest?

MerleFest is a traditional music festival held in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on the Wilkes Community College Campus.

The lineup this year includes singers and bands such as Mavis Staples, LeAnn Rimes, Balsamm Range, The Waybacks, Tony Emmanuel, and many, many more. 

The festival takes place from September 16-19. 1 day tickets cost between $70-$90 depending on the day. The late night jam, which is the musical event that takes place between 10:30-12:30 nightly, costs $45.

Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative Covid test within the last 72 hours is required to attend MerleFest.

William Kradel Leave a comment on MerleFest 2021 Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun Tags , , ,