Held since 1923, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the longest continuously running outdoor horse show in the United States, a true High Country summer tradition. World-class competition fills the L.M. Tate Showgrounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, with proceeds supporting local charities.

The 2026 show runs across three weeks: the Saddlebred Division June 4–7, Hunter/Jumper I July 21–26, and Hunter/Jumper II July 28–August 2. The Embers Hotel is a proud sponsor, and our downtown location makes an easy base for a show weekend.

Learn more at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show page.

A few times each summer and fall, Park Avenue fills with juried artists for one of Blowing Rock’s most beloved traditions. Browse fine art, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, glass, and textiles from talented regional and national makers, all just steps from downtown.

2026 dates: June 13, July 25, August 15, September 12, and October 3, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. Stay at The Embers Hotel and you’re within easy walking distance of the whole show.

Learn more at Art in the Park.

Revolutionary War history comes to life at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater, told through music, firelight, and live battle scenes. Performances run Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM all summer long.

A short drive from Blowing Rock, it makes for an easy evening out and a true Appalachian summer tradition. Make The Embers Hotel your base and return to a quiet room when the show wraps.

Learn more at Horn in the West.

Blowing Rock’s Fourth of July parade steps off at 10:00 AM, followed by games, music, and festivities in Memorial Park. It’s the kind of small-town celebration that defines a High Country summer.

At The Embers Hotel, you’re right in the middle of it. Main Street sits just at the bottom of our front steps, so you can take in the parade street-side. For the best seat in the house, book a room with a Main Street view: the Corner Executive King, Corner King Downtown View, and Deluxe King Downtown View all look out over the parade route. Then raise a glass to the day with our special 1776 cocktail.

Learn more at the Blowing Rock 4th of July page.

Spend the day at Tweetsie Railroad, open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with rides, shows, and family fun, then stay for the largest fireworks display in the High Country at 9:30 PM.

Pair it with the morning parade downtown for a full Fourth of July, then head back to The Embers Hotel, just minutes away.

Learn more at Tweetsie Railroad.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to the Broyhill Park gazebo for free Monday-night concerts, with performances spanning jazz, country, show tunes, and more, beginning at 6:30 PM.

It’s a relaxed way to spend a summer evening downtown. The series runs each Monday from July 6 through August 3, an easy stroll from The Embers Hotel.

Learn more at the Monday Night Concert Series page.

One of the region’s most beloved festivals fills MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain with traditional music, dancing, heavy athletics, clan gatherings, costumes, food, and vendors.

It’s a bucket-list summer event in the High Country, about a half-hour from Blowing Rock. Rooms fill fast during games weekend, so book early and make The Embers Hotel your home base.

Learn more at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Symphony on the Mountain returns with “Celebrating America’s 250th,” featuring the Symphony of the Mountains and special guest Jake Hoot, set against sweeping mountain views.

Gates open at 5:00 PM, with the opening performance at 5:30, the featured performance at 7:30, and a fireworks finale to close the night. It’s a memorable summer evening just minutes from The Embers Hotel.

Learn more at Symphony on the Mountain.

Held at the Blowing Rock Country Club, the BRAHM Gala supports the museum’s exhibitions, educational programming, and free admission. It’s an elegant night out for art and history lovers.

Availability may be limited, so check directly with BRAHM for current details. The Embers Hotel makes a fitting stay for the occasion.

Learn more at the BRAHM Gala page.

Centered at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, this multi-day festival sends painters into the streets, mountains, and overlooks to capture the area’s scenery, architecture, and Appalachian character.

Watch the work take shape across town and take a piece home. It’s a creative reason to visit as the season begins to turn. Settle in at The Embers Hotel between stops.

Learn more at the Plein Air Festival page.

Game-day weekends bring energy to the High Country all fall. Appalachian State’s 2026 home schedule at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone:

vs. Maine — September 5
vs. Charlotte — September 19
vs. Old Dominion — October 10 (Homecoming)
vs. James Madison — Thursday, October 22 (Family Weekend)
vs. Georgia State — November 7
vs. ULM — November 21 (Senior Day)

Boone is a short drive from Blowing Rock, so The Embers Hotel is an easy base for a football weekend. Game weekends sell out, so book ahead.

See the full schedule at App State Athletics.

Early color appears at the higher elevations in late September, building toward peak across October along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding mountains. It’s prime time for scenic drives, hikes, and overlooks.

Weekday visits tend to be quieter and easier as leaf-season traffic picks up on weekends. The Embers Hotel is an ideal launch point for a fall-color getaway.

Plan your visit with the Blowing Rock fall guide.

Blowing Rock’s Halloween Festival brings free downtown fun, trick-or-treating, and the much-loved Monster March to Memorial Park and the streets of downtown.

It’s a festive, easy outing for families. Stay at The Embers Hotel and you’re right in the middle of it.

Learn more at the Blowing Rock Halloween Festival page.