77th Annual NC Rhododendron Festival June 21-22!

One of the biggest events of the year for Mitchell County,  the 77th Annual NC Rhododendron Festival  is Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22  in Bakersville! See a list of events below plus photos of the contestants! Unfortunately, during this year’s festival, the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain are closed to motor traffic, due to repairs on the road, but they are accessible to hikers. Mitchell County Public Transportation is funding a transportation shuttle on today and tomorrow to alleviate some of the parking congestion at Carvers Gap. Shuttles will run from 9 am to 3 pm. 

Friday events (June 17) 

• Rhododendron Arts and Crafts Fair on the Creekwalk in Bakersville, 12:00pm-5:00pm.  Art, craft, and food vendors. Free admission.

• NC Rhododendron Pageant at Bowman Middle School.  First round of competition includes Junior division talent and Senior division swimsuit.  Doors open at 6:00 pm with pageant beginning at 7:00pm.  Admission: $10/adult and $7/child.  A special two-night discount pass will be available for $15/adults and $10/child.  Souvenir program books and event shirts available for purchase.

• Rhododendron Square Dance on the Street!  North Mitchell Avenue in Bakersville, in front of United Community Bank. Dance features traditional mountain square dancing with live caller and modern line dancing. Live bluegrass music provided by Bandana Rhythm. Cost: $5/adult and $3/child. Wristbands will be required. Time: 8:00pm – 12:00am. Concessions available.

Saturday events (June 18) 

• Rhododendron Arts and Crafts Fair on the Creekwalk in Bakersville, 10:00am-5:00pm.  Art, craft, and food vendors. Live music on the Creekwalk stage featuring Toe River Drifters, High Mountain Grass, Boone and Church, William Ritter and Queens. Free admission.

• Rhododendron Car Show sponsored by the Mountaineer Shrine Club. Bakersville Fire Department parking lot across for Bakersville Fire Dept. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Music, food, raffles, door prizes and more! Proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

• Rhododendron 10K Run and 1 mile walk beginning at 8:00am at Gouge School in Bakersville.  Register from 7:00am-8:00am on race day. 

• NC Rhododendron Pageant at Bowman Middle School.  Final round of competition includes Senior division talent, Junior and Senior evening gown, and crowning of the NC Rhododendron Queens.  Doors open at 6:00 pm with pageant beginning at 7:00pm.  Cost: $10/adult and $7/child. Souvenir program books and event shirts available for purchase.

• Rhododendron Square Dance on the Street! North Mitchell Avenue in Bakersville, in front of United Community Bank. Dance features traditional mountain square dancing with live caller and modern line dancing. Live bluegrass music provided by Bandana Rhythm. Cost: $5/adult and $3/child. Wristbands will be required. Time: 8:00pm – 12:00am. Concessions available.