Happy summer backroad explorers! Here’s our list of popular August events taking place across the Southeast. Hopefully you can attend one or two of these.
Note: A few events were also featured in July, but extend into August, so we left them in.
Midday Mountain Music
May 23–October 31, 2024; noon–3 p.m.
Galax, Virginia
Sit a spell and listen as talented local musicians perform on the covered breezeway. Performances are free and held daily. See groups such as Fisher Peak Timber Rattlers, Scott Freeman & Willard Gayheart, Bluegrass Jam with Jim Purcell and Lynn Wolf, Sugarloaf Mountain Band, the Blue Ridge Ramblers, and more.
“The Lost Colony” Outdoor Drama
May 30–August 23, 2024
Manteo, North Carolina
Discover the story of 117 men, women, and children who arrived in North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 1587 to establish a British Colony under Queen Elizabeth I’s rule. This 86-year-old drama is set on the soundfront of Roanoke Island and preserves the historical importance of America’s first colony. Tickets cost $25–$40.
Sunday Mountain Music Series at Salt Pond Pub
Sundays, June 1–September 1, 2024; 4–6 p.m.
Pembroke, Virginia
Stop by Salt Pond Pub at Mountain Lake Lodge every Sunday through Labor Day weekend for live music and delicious food and drinks. Relax with the whole family—and your furry friends—after a day of hiking some of Mountain Lake’s 22 miles of trails. Book now for three nights of lodging and enjoy breakfast from Harvest each morning.
Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair
August 2–3, 2024; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Burnsville, North Carolina
Featuring more than 200 vendors, musicians, and performers, this craft fair has become one of the most popular summer events in the mountains. Enjoy bluegrass and acoustic music on stage, and shop for one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts. The event also features traditional craft demonstrations and vendors.
Trash to Treasure Art Show
August 3–24, 2024; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Forsyth, Georgia
See a display of unique artworks made from everyday items. Presented by the 1823 Artisan Guild, admission is free. Credit cards are accepted for artwork purchases.
Georgia Mountain Fair
August 14–24, 2024; hours vary
Hiawassee, Georgia
Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, carnival rides, a pageant, and unique attractions that offer a glimpse into North Georgia’s history and culture. Choose from a variety of foods including barbecue, hamburgers, street tacos, funnel cakes, lemonade, and more.
North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival
August 15–17, 2024; noon–10 p.m.
Marion, North Carolina
This annual event presented by Evans Media returns with bluegrass performers such as East Nash Grass, Rhonda Vincent, The Malpass Brothers, Southern Legacy, and other groups. The festival takes place at Camping World Pavilion in Marion. Bring your own chairs. Certain restrictions apply.
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 17, 2024; 3–9 p.m.
Townsend, Tennessee
Professional balloonists light up the sky with a balloon glow and tethered rides against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. Proceeds from this event benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Townsend Elementary School.
Upper South Carolina State Fair
August 29–September 8, 2024
Greenville Pickens Speedway; Easley, South Carolina
State fair season comes early to South Carolina via this annual event. Enjoy midway rides, food from a variety of vendors, Big Top Circus entertainers, Rocketman Valencia (a human cannonball), the Extreme Strongman Show, a petting zoo, and more.
Fourth Annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
August 30–September 1
Pinehurst, North Carolina
This annual event takes place at the Village of Pinehurst and features award-winning pitmasters from across North Carolina. Events include the Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational, a High on the Hog Gourmet Pitmaster Dinner, a “Q”-School Grilling Class, Bourbon & Bites event, and more. Enter our giveaway for a chance to win tickets!
Know of some other great events we should add to our list? Send them to us at hello@backroadportfolio.com.
Looks like some fun!