Backpacking class, pottery wheel lesson, gospel singing on Grandfather Mountain
SATURDAY
"Backpacking 101," 5-6:30 p.m., Boone Fillery, 1655 NC-105, Boone. Learn the basics of backpacking, gear, clothing and trip planning, from an experienced guide with thousands of trail miles under her belt. Bring questions and any gear you'd like feedback on. RSVP requested. Free.
SATURDAY
"Introduction to the Pottery Wheel," 5-8 p.m., The Pottery Lot, 5014 NC-105, Vilas. A beginner-friendly two-hour class where you'll throw two bowls on the pottery wheel. All materials included, pieces glazed and fired after class. Local pickup or shipping available. $65.
SUNDAY
"Singing on Grandfather," 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., MacRae Meadows, Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville. A century-old gospel singing tradition in the Blue Ridge Mountains, running since 1924. Food available. Free.
SUNDAY
"Paint and Sip on the Lawn," 3-5 p.m., Westglow Resort & Spa, 224 Westglow Circle, Blowing Rock. A guided painting experience on the lawn with two glasses of wine, charcuterie and small bites from the chef. All materials included. $85.
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🎵 Live music this weekend
FRIDAY
"Summer Concerts at the Jones House," 5:30 p.m., Jones House, 604 West King Street, Boone. This week: The Virginialina Trio / Surefire. Free outdoor concert on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chair. Picnics and outside drinks welcome. Free parking downtown after 5 p.m. Free.
"Live Music at the Barnyard," 6-8 p.m., Mast Farm Inn, 2543 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis. This week: Colin Cutler. Live music alongside farm animals, draft beer, wine, snacks, and yard games. Dogs and kids welcome. Free.
"Music in the Valle," 6 p.m. to dusk, Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk. This week: Jeremiah's Revolving Orchestra. Suggested donation $5 per person or $10 per family.
"Music on the Lawn," 5:30-8:30 p.m., The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock. This week: Shelby Rae. Free outdoor concert on the inn's lawn. Cash bar and lawn menu available. Bring a lawn chair and arrive early. No pets, coolers, or outside food and drinks. Free.
SATURDAY
"Punch Brothers," 7:30 p.m., Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 733 Rivers Street, Boone. Grammy-winning acoustic quintet led by mandolinist Chris Thile, known for pushing bluegrass into new territory. $25-$70.
📆 Planning ahead
JULY 9-12
“Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.” Held each July in Linville, the Highland Games is a four-day gathering that celebrates North Carolina’s Scottish heritage through athletic competitions, bagpipe and drum performances, Highland dancing and cultural demonstrations. More info here.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road in Beech Mountain: Land of Oz fall tickets on sale this week
Land of Oz in 2008, as mini-Dorothys are all smiles with the Wicked Witch of the West. (Mecia family photo)
Tickets to the Land of Oz, the 1970s “Wizard of Oz” theme park at Beech Mountain, go on sale to the public on Friday at 12 p.m. for three September weekends.
Visitors can follow the Yellow Brick Road, meet characters from the classic story and explore restored sections of the original park. It’s open only a few times a year.
Tickets are $70 plus tax. The presale for those on the Land of Oz email list starts today (Thursday) at 12 p.m. before opening to the public on Friday.