Downtown Boone

El Ultimo Sueno De Frida y Diego
2026-05-30 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King Street, Boone, 28067, United States
The Met: Live in HD:Encore presents
Frank’s
El Ultimo Sueno De Frida y Diego
The following sponsor(s) support the Appalachian Theatre in its presentation of the Met Live in HD series” : LifeStore Bank and Linda Larson & Bill Pelto
Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO MET: LIVE IN HD “EL ULTIMO SUENO DE FRIDA Y DIEGO”

STANDARD – $25.01 CHILD (ages 18 & under) – $5 STUDENT – $5 (valid student I.D. will need to be shown upon arrival)
All seats are reserved *tax and fees included
Opera is sung in: Spanish Runtime: 2 HRS 25 MINS with One Intermission
Music by Gabriela Lena Frank & Libretto by Nilo Cruz
El Ultimo Sueno De Frida y Diego– American composer Gabriela Lena Frank makes her Met debut with her first opera, a magical-realist portrait of Mexico’s painterly power couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, with libretto by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Fashioned as a reversal of the Orpheus and Euridice myth, the story depicts Frida, sung by leading mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, leaving the underworld on the Day of the Dead and reuniting with Diego, portrayed by baritone Carlos Álvarez. The famously feuding pair briefly relive their tumultuous love, embracing both the passion and the pain before bidding the land of the living a final farewell. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Met premiere of Frank’s opera, a “confident, richly imagined score” (The New Yorker) that “bursts with color and fresh individuality” (Los Angeles Times). The vibrant new production, taking enthusiastic inspiration from Frida and Diego’s paintings, is directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker, following her remarkable 2024 debut staging of Ainadamar.
Event Note: This is an cinema transmission is part of the Met’s award-winning Live in HD series, bringing opera to movie theaters across the globe.

PURCHASE 2025-26 MET OPERA LIVE IN HD SEASON TICKETS

CLICK IMAGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2025-26 MET OPERA LIVE IN HD SEASON

July 4th parade and Celebrations
2026-06-03
Join the Town of Boone in celebrating Independence Day on July 4th!
Kick off the festivities with the annual Town of Boone 4th of July Parade, at 11am. Parking is free in town-owned lots, so arrive early to find a spot to view along King Street.
Following the parade, come hang out on the Jones House lawn and enjoy free refreshments, including watermelon, lemonade, and cake from Stick Boy Bread Company. Stay around for the presentation of the Town of Boone 1872 Award.
Close out the day with the annual fireworks display at Clawson-Burnley Park on the Boone Greenway, starting at dusk. Arrive early, bring a picnic, and enjoy the evening. Find parking in lots along Martin Luther King Jr. Street and at ASU’s State Farm lot.

SATURDAY, JULY 4
4th of July Parade:
11am – Downtown Boone along King Street
1872 Award Presentation:
Noon – Jones House lawn (free cake and watermelon)
Fireworks Display:
Dusk – Clawson-Burnley Park at the Boone Greenway

Old-Time Jam at the Jones House
2026-06-04 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-18 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-25 19:00 - 22:00
Every Thursday evening from 7-10 PM, join local and visiting musicians at the Jones House for an old-time jam session. Bring your banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin – or whatever old-time acoustic instrument you have – and spend a few hours playing along with fellow musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. On warm evenings, circle up on the Jones House lawn and porch; on cooler evenings, move the things indoors to the parlor and galleries. Guests and visitors are welcome to observe and enjoy the music but are asked to be respectful of the musicians. After catching up and choosing a key the music will begin, with the last call for tunes coming around 9:45.
Jams are not held on holidays and may be canceled on days of inclement weather. Call the Jones House with any questions.

The Art of Walking
2026-06-05 15:00 - 18:00 | The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King Street, Boone, N, 28608, United States
The Art of Walking
Boone Greenway and Kennedy Trail
First Fridays, 3:00-4:30pm

A 3-mile loop with an art theme to complement the First Friday Art Crawl in Boone on the first Friday of each month. No experience with art or writing is needed although a love for walking in nature sure comes in handy. During the walks, we’ll find a place to sit for a few minutes to draw or write about what we’re experiencing so bring your favorite tools to capture the moments. Journaling is totally optional and there is no need to share with others. This is an incredibly beautiful greenway. The Kennedy Trail has a natural surface complete with roots, rocks and hills. After the hike, the group can reconvene at the Turchin Center for the Arts at 5:00pm to enjoy the First Fridays Art Crawl in downtown Boone. The walking event is free but registration is suggested so we know you’re coming. Contact Jae at BlueRidgeFriend@gmail.com

June First Friday Art Crawl
2026-06-05 16:00 - 20:00 | The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King Street, Boone, N, 28608, United States
Experience First Friday Art Crawls in Boone at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Join us at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts for First Friday as downtown Boone comes alive with creativity, community, and celebration! Explore our captivating galleries featuring contemporary art exhibitions, meet local artists, and enjoy free admission. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring night out, the Turchin Center is the perfect place to start your First Friday Art Crawl adventure.
Discover art, engage with culture, and connect with the Boone community. 5–8 PM | FREE Admission
Activities on June 5:
4-5pm | Guided Gallery Tour | Moskowitz Gallery
5-6pm | ARTtalk: Jill Pelto, Community Contours in the Southern Appalachian Mountains | TCVA Lecture Hall
5-7:30pm | Drop-In Artmaking | Moskowitz Gallery

First Friday Art Crawl
2026-06-05 17:00 - 20:00
https://www.watauga-arts.org/first-friday-art-crawls

Wild Lens, Local Legacy
2026-06-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Speckled Trout Outfitters, 140 S. Depot Street, Boone, 28607, United States
We are honored to welcome Rodney Bursiel, 2017 National Geographic Photographer of the Year, as our keynote speaker at 6:00 pm on Friday, June 5th at Speckled Trout Outfitters in Boone, NC. Rodney, whose powerful imagery and global conservation work have inspired audiences around the world is brought to us by Antlers & Acorns Lodge, the team behind the Antlers & Acorns Songwriters Festival each year in September. His talk will be followed by a Q&A session where attendees can dive deeper into conservation themes, photography, storytelling, and the shared responsibility of protecting both our local waters and wild places around the globe.
Please join us for this special First Friday event.
Rodney will be joined by Hannah Woodburn, Upper New Riverkeeper, for an engaging conversation about the intersection of local and global environmental issues — and how protecting special places starts right here at home. In the week leading up to the event, Rodney will spend time on the New River with the Upper New Riverkeeper and the team at The Speckled Trout Outfitters, exploring and documenting what makes our river so remarkable. Together, they’ll reflect on the New River’s diverse aquatic life, water quality, and the vital role it plays in the High Country community.
This event will be a fundraiser for MountainTrue to support the ongoing efforts to champion resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities across the Southern Blue Ridge.” Marking the occasion of Rodney’s visit, and the work of Upper New Riverkeepers, singer/songwriter Jess Klein and instrumentalist Charlie Richards will be performing a song they co-wrote in honor of the importance, beauty, and mystery of the New River

Buckets - N - Boards
2026-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King Street, Boone, 28067, United States
Funding support provided by Blue Ridge Energy
Bucket – N – Boards

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR BUCKETS – N – BOARDS

Friday, June 5, 2026 at 6 p.m. / Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
ADULT RESERVED- $19 CHILD/STUDENT RESERVED – $9 Ticket price listed includes ticket fees. Taxes are calculated upon checkout.
Buckets N Boards is a hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of amazing percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation and an incredible variety of musical talents!
Matthew Levingston and Gareth Sever have hand crafted a fresh and unique clean comedy experience for the entire family to enjoy! The show was born from their shared passion for music, comedy, and rhythm, but it truly comes to life through the nonstop hilarious interaction between these two AND their audience.
Buckets N Boards have toured the world and are currently one of the top requested headlining acts for Disney Cruise Lines. BNB has been featured twice with the Kansas City Symphony and is currently heading into their 14th Award Winning season in Branson, MO.
A must see show for any evening out with the family. Their unexpected comedy, upbeat personalities and improvisational audience interaction make Buckets N Boards Comedy Percussion Show a theatrical experience you’ll remember for years to come.
Visit BucketsNBoards for more info.

An Evening of Comedy and Magic with Lyndy Phillips
2026-06-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Mysterium Escape Adventure, 737 W. King Street, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
The Carolina Comedy Magic Parlor delivers an intimate and unforgettable evening of magic and laughter, with limited seating. Step into a cozy parlor-style theater where every seat is the best seat in the house. Featuring magician Lyndy Phillips, you’ll be amazed by his masterful sleight of hand and delighted by his witty, clean humor—creating an immersive experience that blends comedy and wonder.

Live Music: Bob Bonnen
2026-06-05 19:00 - 22:00 | SouthEnd Brewing Co., 747 W King Street, Boone, 28607, United States
Live Music at South End Brewing Company

Trial By Fire: Tribute to Journey
2026-06-06 19:00 - 21:30
Presented by GHA
Trial By Fire: Tribute to Journey

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR TRIAL BY FIRE: TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 7 p.m. / Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
PREMIUM – $40 STANDARD – $30 Ticket price listed includes ticket fees. Taxes are calculated upon checkout.
Experience the Journey Tour That Never Was
Join Trial by Fire: Tribute to Journey as they bring to life the 1996 Trial by Fire Tour that never happened.
In 1996, Journey reunited with legendary frontman Steve Perry and released Trial by Fire, their first album together in a decade. Plans for a worldwide tour were cut short when Perry suffered a devastating injury, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.

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Now, Trial by Fire pays homage to that lost moment in rock history. This unforgettable show imagines the setlist, energy, and spectacle of the tour Journey fans never got to see—packed with iconic hits from the Trial by Fire album and classics from the Steve Perry era.
Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic and experience the Trial by Fire Tour as it might have been.
Visit Trial By Fire: Tribute to Journey to learn more.
Event Note: This is a rental event presented by GHA.

El Arte del Bolero: Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo
2026-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King Street, Boone, 28067, United States
High Country Jazz Festival presents
El Arte del Bolero: Miguel Zenón & Luis Perdomo

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR MIGUEL ZENÓN & LUIS PERDOMO

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. / Doors open at 6 p.m.
Premium: $100 (Ticket includes a pre-concert wine and cheese reception and onstage general admission seats for this unique exclusive event.)
Ticket price listed includes ticket fees. Taxes are calculated upon checkout.
Grammy-winning saxophonist Miguel Zenón and acclaimed Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo join forces to celebrate the beauty of the Latin American songbook in El Arte del Bolero. What began as an intimate duo session during the pandemic evolved into two critically acclaimed albums, including the Grammy-winning El Arte del Bolero Vol. 2. Their performances transform beloved boleros—romantic ballads rooted in Latin tradition—into soulful, forward-thinking jazz interpretations.
Visit High Country Jazz Festival to learn more about the 2026 Festival.

Wycliffe Gordon
2026-06-13 19:30 - 21:30
High Country Jazz Festival presents
Wycliffe Gordon

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR WYCLIFFE GORDON

Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. / Doors open at 7 p.m.
Premium Reserved: $38
Regular Reserved: $32 Ticket price listed includes ticket fees. Taxes are calculated upon checkout.
Musical ambassador and interpreter of “America’s” music, Wycliffe Gordon is one of the world’s most renowned and award-winning jazz trombonists touring today. His signature sound and mastery of the plunger mute have helped solidify his impressive musical career. Wycliffe tours as a soloist and regularly with his quintet headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers worldwide. In addition, Wycliffe has recorded or been featured on over 300 recordings, has composed and arranged hundreds of compositions, including the theme song for NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and is a very passionate, most sought-after educator.
Jazz Journalists Association named him “Trombonist of the Year” for an unprecedented 15th time in 2022, and Downbeat Critics Poll named Wycliffe “Best Trombone” for six years, (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). In recent years, Wycliffe was the recipient of the “Louie Award”, the International Trombone Award (which recognizes the highest level of creative and artistic achievement), the Satchmo Award, and the Louis Armstrong Memorial Prize presented by the Swing Jazz Culture Foundation. He is also a past recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award, among others.
In recent months he has performed with Butler University, UNC Greely, Davidson College, Stanford Jazz, at Aaron Davis Concert Hall, Birdland, the Rochester Jazz Festival, Vail Jazz and the Journey of Jazz cruise, to name a few. He has a new Holiday CD coming out next month titled “Holiday Fun” on Arbors Records, and he closes out the year with upcoming performances that include True Blue Jazz, Suncoast Jazz Festival, VA Music Educator’s Assn, Boca Raton Gala, and the Staten Island Jazz Festival.
Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor’s “Jazz at the Kennedy Center” Series. Gordon serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Augusta, GA.
Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass, the “Wybrid” Crossover Mouthpiece also by Pickett Brass, and a new plunger mute—the “Cone Tone” by Hirschman Mutes.
Visit www.wycliffegordon.com.
Visit High Country Jazz Festival to learn more about the 2026 Festival.

Mountaineer 10 miler
2026-06-14 06:00 - 10:30
The Mountaineer 10 Miler is a new race taking place throughout Boone. Starting & ending at Appalachian State University’s Kidd Brewer Stadium, participants can choose from a 4-mile route, a 10-mile race, or the double-down challenge at 14 miles.
https://mountaineer10miler.com/

Emmet Cohen Trio
2026-06-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King Street, Boone, 28067, United States
High Country Jazz Festival presents
Emmet Cohen Trio

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EMMET COHEN TRIO

Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 3p.m. / Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Premium Reserved: $30
Regular Reserved: $25 Ticket price listed includes ticket fees. Taxes are calculated upon checkout.
Emmet Cohen is a leading jazz pianist and composer, celebrated for his artistry and commitment to the traditions and future of jazz. A recognized prodigy who began piano at age three, Cohen blends technical mastery with deep musical expression. He leads the acclaimed Emmet Cohen Trio, performs worldwide, and created the popular livestream series Live From Emmet’s Place, which has reached millions online. Cohen champions intergenerational learning through his Masters Legacy Series, collaborating with jazz legends like Ron Carter and Benny Golson. His work spans performance, education, and innovation, making him one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz.
VisitHigh Country Jazz Festival to learn more about the 2026 Festival.

Boonerang Music & Arts Festival
2026-06-19 - 2026-06-21
Boonerang Music & Arts Festival celebrates Boone, North Carolina with a free downtown street festival; this community homecoming brings Boone-connected artists and fans together every third weekend in June to Boonerang back to the place we love. Artists of all kinds with connections to the town will be performing within walking distance of shops, restaurants, breweries, and more. In addition to finding music on multiple stages, enjoy locally brewed beer, kids’ activities, silent discos, and afterparties.
Don’t miss these great Boonerang events:
Thursday: Boone’s Got Talent show at the Appalachian Theatre
Friday: Free shows in the evening, followed by a Silent Disco
Saturday: The street festival lasts all day throughout downtown Boone. Find the map here.
Sunday: The International Festival kicks off with a Parade of Nations.
Find the full stage schedule here

Boone Pride Parade and Festival
2026-06-27 11:00 - 17:00 | ​Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove RD, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
Bring your PRIDE — wagons, bikes, trikes, families, unicycles, pets, strollers, wheelchairs — and join LGBTQ+ community members and Allies from throughout the High Country and beyond as we parade down King St. in the heart of Downtown Boone and end up at the biggest Boone Pride Festival yet with dozens of performers and vendors!
Gather and park at 132 Poplar Grove Connector (Watauga Social Services Building) beginning at 11am. The parade will commence on King Street starting at 12pm. You can also find additional parking at the Watauga County Parking Deck (140 N. Water St.). More parking information will be provided via our social media accounts as we get closer to the event.
Festival begins immediately following the parade at 1pm in the parking lot of the Watauga Agricultural Center lower lot off Poplar Grove Rd beside Rivers Walk apartments.

Punch Brothers
2026-06-27 19:30 - 22:00
Punch Brothers, formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006, is known for pushing the boundaries of acoustic music. In addition to Thile, the band currently comprises guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Brittany Haas. Punch Brothers has garnered critical acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Folk Album for All Ashore (2018). The Washington Post applauded them for taking “bluegrass to its next evolutionary stage, drawing equal inspiration from the brain and the heart.”
Most Recently, Punch Brothers have been focused on their new musical variety show, The Energy Curfew Music Hour. Season One is available on all podcast platforms, with season two exclusively out on Audible.
The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers, the seventh album from the Grammy-winning band — and its first comprising all instrumental tunes as well as its first with fiddle player Brittany Haas, who joined the quintet in 2023 — is due July 24, 2026, on Nonesuch Records. The album features eight new original compositions by Punch Brothers as well as three traditional songs they arranged.

ARTtalk: “Curating Global Cinema,” Dale Pollock
2026-06-30 16:00 - 17:00 | The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King Street, Boone, N, 28608, United States
Step behind the curtain for a series of intimate conversations with this season’s artists about the passions and processes that shape their work.
Get an insider’s look at how this year’s International Film Series lineup was selected — and why global cinema matters.

Global Film Series: Calle Malaga
2026-06-30 19:30 - 22:00 | Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Morocco / Not Rated / Directed by Maryam Touzani / 2025 / Drama, Romance / 116 minutes
An aging Spanish woman in Tangier resists her daughter’s decision to sell her home. Determined to stay, she does everything she can to keep her home and reclaim the belongings of a lifetime. Along the way, she rediscovers love and desire.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
2026-07-01 19:30 - 22:00 | Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Reflecting on the meaning of home, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents a stirring program on the longing for beloved countrysides and pride of cherished folk music under the baton of Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony blends elements of the Czech composer’s heritage as he yearns for home with American musical influences in his excitement for a new land. Known for the moving “Simple Gifts” melody, Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring offers a contrasting portrayal of a couple trying to establish their homestead in rural America in a work full of spirit and wonder.

15th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition
2026-07-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Rosen Concert Hall at Broyhill Music Center, 813 Rivers St, Boone, NC, 28607, United States
The winner of the 15th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists will perform a full recital of the works they performed during the morning competition.

Summer Exhibition Celebration
2026-07-02 17:00 - 20:00 | The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King Street, Boone, N, 28608, United States
Join us at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts for First Friday as downtown Boone comes alive with creativity, community, and celebration! Explore our captivating galleries featuring contemporary art exhibitions, meet local artists, and enjoy free admission. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring night out, the Turchin Center is the perfect place to start your First Friday Art Crawl adventure.
Discover art, engage with culture, and connect with the Boone community. 5–8 PM | FREE Admission

Summer Exhibition Celebration
2026-07-02 17:00 - 20:00 | The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King Street, Boone, N, 28608, United States
Engage with visiting artists and fellow arts advocates, enjoy live music and refreshments, and discover the exciting exhibitions showcased across six galleries by local, regional, national and international artists.
