Festivals / Events

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival 

The annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is held on the first Saturday in October to celebrate the apple harvest from the nearby Brushy Mountains. It is one of the largest single-day arts and crafts fairs in the Southern United States. The festival features music, dancing, artwork, crafts, and traditional food from the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Visit the Brushy Mountain Apple Fest website. 

Concerts on the Deck 

Free outdoor concert series held at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on the third Saturday of the month, June through September. Concerts are free, 6 to 10 PM, rain or shine. Bring a chair, and pets on a leash are okay. Coolers are allowed, but glass is not. Food vendors on site!

Light Up Downtown

A holiday kick-off festival is held on the Friday before Thanksgiving in the downtown district. Shops open late, dance troupes performing, live music, craft, art, and vendors too. It’s a great way to welcome the holidays. The event is from 6 to 9 PM. 

MerleFest

MerleFest is an annual music festival held the last weekend in April in Wilkesboro and hosted by guitarist Doc Watson. The festival, founded in 1988, now attracts crowds exceeding 85,000, making it the largest folk music festival in the United States. The music spans 15 stages across four days.

Visit the MerleFest website.

Wilkes County Cruise-Ins 

Cruise-ins are held on the second Saturday of the month in downtown North Wilkesboro, April through October, from 3 to 7 p.m. There is no event in July. The November event is held from 1 to 4 PM. These events are presented by the Wilkes County Cruisers club and held on the CBD loop. 

Visit the Wilkes County Cruisers website.  

Downtown Art Walk

A seasonal event held by the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee of the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership. Local and regional artists hold demonstrations and display their creations at participating downtown businesses. 

Marketplace Meltdown

The Marketplace Meltdown is our annual Independence Day celebration held at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on the evening of July 4th. Come enjoy live music, food, and kids' activities. The evening ends with a firetruck parade and fireworks after dark!

Prohibition Hot Rod & Moonshine Festival

Spooktacular

Spooktacular is a family-friendly event held in Downtown North Wilkesboro. The event is organized by the Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchant Association and is held annually on the Saturday before Halloween from 4 to 8 PM. 

Visit the Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchant Association website. 

Christmas Parade 

The Christmas Parade is organized by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and is held each year on the first Saturday of December. The parade has a different theme each year and travels through North Wilkesboro and into Wilkesboro. 

Visit the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce website. 

For all Downtown events, please visit www.downtownnorthwilkesboro.com/events.