You might also check out performances and exhibits in the local arts scene. The Turchin Center has many interesting exhibits going on during April and May, and Lees McRae College, Appalachian State University, and the Blowing Rock Stage Company all offer some excellent performances. And then there's the music. From banjos to violins, dosie-does to pirouettes, local storytellers to Neil Simon plays, and hand-thrown pottery to towering steel sculpture, the High Country offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
Bluegrass, gospel and traditional music provide the perfect soundtrack for the mountains. Grandfather Mountain’s Singing on the Mountain presents many of the top names in gospel music the last weekend of each June. Other festivals like the Old Timey & Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention in Sparta and the Doc Watson MusicFest in Cove Creek, feature the best in bluegrass, gospel or traditional music. Joe Shannon’s MountainHome Music and the brand new Blue Ridge Celtic Festival at Chetola Resort in May, offer performances from celtic to bluegrass to traditional Americana music. Fun family places including High Country Round-up and Mountain Music Jamboree offer live music with square dancing for hours of entertainment.