The North Carolina Rhododendron Festival will take place in Bakersville, North Carolina, June 20th and 21st, 2025. The festival, in it’s 78th year, draws hundreds of visitors from all over the region and features the Rhododendron Festival Pageant, the Craft Fair with food vendors, children’s activities, live music throughout the day, as well as a classic car show, a 10K run, and 2 nights of street dancing. The festival coincides with the yearly blooming of the rhododendron atop Roan Mountain, home of the world’s largest, naturally occurring rhododendron gardens. The festival began in 1947 as a joint effort between the towns of Bakersville and Roan Mountain, Tennessee to gather support and call attention to the need for new roads to the top of Roan Mountain. The efforts paid off with new roads constructed in the late 40’s and early 50’s.
Bakersville is just over an hour away from either Asheville, Boone, or Johnson City [TN]. Penland School of Crafts, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Spruce Pine, and Burnsville are all within 20-30 minutes of Bakersville and provide plenty of activities to see or do during the weekend.
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List of Events
The NC Rhododendron Festival Scholarship Pageant, Bowman Middle School
Friday, June 20, 2025: The first round of competition includes Junior division talent and Senior division swimsuit. Special entertainment is provided by former and visiting queens. Doors open at 6:00 pm with the pageant beginning at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, June 21, 2025: The final round of competition includes Senior division talent, Junior and Senior evening gown, and the crowning of this year’s NC Rhododendron Queens. Special entertainment is provided by former and visiting queens. Doors open at 6:00 pm with the pageant beginning at 7:00 pm.
*Admission: $10/adult and $7/child per night. A special two-night discount pass will be available for $15/adult and $10/child. Souvenir program books, concessions, and event shirts are available. Master of Ceremonies is Robert Hensley.
The Rhododendron Craft Fair, Bowman Middle School Football Field**
Friday, June 20, 2025:12pm to 5pm
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 10am to 4pm
Free admission!
Our yearly show offers exhibitors of talented local and regional artists & craftspeople and showcases a variety of musical performances. The Rhododendron Craft Fair, which is open to the public and free of charge, typically takes place along the banks of Cane Creek, which winds through the center of the beautiful and historic small mountain town of Bakersville. It has become a local favorite with artists and visitors alike; many returning year after year.
** Please note the change in location for 2025 to the Bowman Middle School Football Field, due to the damage sustained by Hurricane Helene.
The Rhododendron Festival Street Dance
Friday, June 20, 2025: 8pm to 12am
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 8pm to 12am
One of the largest square dance events in NC!
The Rhododendron Street Dance truly has something for festival-goers of all ages. On Friday and Saturday nights during the Festival, join us to dance the night away on the main street in downtown Bakersville. This event features traditional mountain square dancing with a live band and caller as well as modern line dancing. Don’t dance? Bring a chair and listen to the band. It’s a great time for the whole family!!
**Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children.
Rhododendron Classic Car Show
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 9am to 3pm
We welcome everyone to join us for the Rhododendron Classic Car Show, with the Rhododendron Cruisers, held at the Quality Plus parking lot, across from the fire department.
We have 100+ cars, all makes and models. Awards include Top 25, People’s Choice, and Best of Show. Tickets will also be sold for a 50/50 drawing. We also have music and food for you to enjoy during your visit. Proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.
**Admission: $2 for adults; children 12 and under are free.
47th Annual Rhododendron 10K Run
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 8:30am
The 47th Annual Rhododendron 10K Run will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 8:30 am. There is also a 1-mile walk that starts at 8:00 am. Both courses begin at Gouge Primary School, 134 Laurel Street, in Bakersville.
10K entry fees are $20 with pre-registration postmarked by June 8th. $30 race-day registration. Race-day registration is open from 7 am until 8 am.
SFTC K&Q Event – $1 discount to SFTC Members.
Pre-registration link: https://www.athlinks.com/event/rhododendron-10k-run-6359
Chip Timing: electronic timing is provided by We Run Events.
Course: USA T&F Certified 10 kilometer, our and back loop course. Moderately fast.
1-mile entry fees are $10 with pre-registration postmarked by June 8th. $15 race-day registration. Race-day registration 7am until 8am.
For more information including payment details, limitations, age divisions, Cash Prizes & Awards contact Bakersville Town Hall at 828-688-2113.
