Symphony on the Mountain FAQs
With changes to the Symphony venue this year, people are curious about the details. We’ve made a list of FAQs to help create a better picture of how operations are going to run.
With changes to the Symphony venue this year, people are curious about the details. We’ve made a list of FAQs to help create a better picture of how operations are going to run.
2026 4th of July Parade & FestivalSaturday, July 4, 10:00 am Join the town of Blowing Rock for the best small-town Main Street parade you’ll find anywhere! Local families, musicians, organizations, and characters celebrate the holiday with a patriotic procession. The parade is usually 40 minutes to an hour long. *PLEASE NOTE the 10am Parade Time! In addition, Main Street will be closed to parking from midnight the night before, to just after the parade (12am-11am on July 4). No parking on Main Street for the parade will ensure better visibility and safety! To make parking easy, a complimentary shuttle service will run from the parking lot at Shoppes on the Parkway to Main Street, beginning at 8:00am. The shuttle will run continuously through 7:00 pm only stopping from 9:45 – 11:30am for the parade itself. After the parade, enjoy live music in the park and holiday shopping and dining around town. When you’re ready to return to your vehicle, check out what’s new at Shoppes on the Parkway! Want to participate? Complete a registration form with Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation. Visit their Programs Page here (use the “General” filter or enter parade in the search bar to find it quickly). 2026 July 4th Celebration Schedule: Surefire Band 11am-3pm Games at 1 pm in Memorial Park. Food Trucks in Police Department Parking lot. For more information, call Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation at 828-295-5222 To see what a past year’s celebration looked like, see the video below! https://youtu.be/5wTM5DhsNBo?si=NjvuTLQJ4AMHE11d
Looking for things to do with teens and pre-teens in Blowing Rock, NC? Discover ziplining, hiking, horseback riding, shopping, arcades, swimming, skiing, family-friendly restaurants, and more.
Sky Valley Zip Tours offers different kinds of adventures for different adventurers. They have the Canopy Tour, the Whistle Pig Adventure for kids, Mountain Cat Off Road Adventure, and the Night Flight for the bravest of adventurers.
Named One of the South’s Best Small Towns of 2026 by Southern Living March 2026- Blowing Rock is proud to announce its recognition as one of the South’s Best Small Towns for 2026, as featured in Southern Living’s tenth annual South’s Best Awards. This prestigious honor, determined by the magazine’s readers, highlights Blowing Rock as a premier destination for its unique mountain character, thriving local culture, and unparalleled scenic beauty. An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 9 to September 9, 2025, and had over 17,000 respondents. Blowing Rock was selected 9th in a featured lineup of 20 destinations. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the readers of Southern Living,” said Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority. “This award is a testament to our community of talented craftspeople, dedicated business owners, and the friendly locals who make our town such a welcoming place for everyone who visits.” The 2026 rankings specifically highlight several key attributes that set Blowing Rock apart: Distinctive Landmark: Named for its famous 4,000-foot cliff overlooking the Johns River Gorge, the town remains a must-visit for dramatic views and the unique wind currents that gave the town its name. A “Storybook” Downtown: The town’s walkable Main Street—filled with locally-owned boutiques, galleries, and highly-rated restaurants—is an idyllic example of Southern tradition and hospitality. Destination Appeal: The little town is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering even more opportunities for exploration and adventure. Further solidifying its status as a top-tier destination, Blowing Rock’s Embers Hotel was also named one of the South’s Best New Hotels of 2026. Blowing Rock joins an elite list of Southern gems, recognized alongside other iconic towns such as Beaufort, SC, and St. Augustine, FL. Full coverage of the South’s Best Award winners will appear in the April 2026 issue of Southern Living, available on newsstands March 20. For more information on visiting Blowing Rock, see BlowingRock.com. To see the full list of awards, please visit SouthernLiving.com
Spring in Blowing Rock is peaceful and refreshing. While higher elevations may still hold a hint of winter, early wildflowers begin to bloom and the Blue Ridge Parkway slowly awakens.
If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Blowing Rock, NC, Blowing Rock Food & Wine Tours offers an unforgettable way to experience the town’s culinary scene, history, and artistic charm — all in one afternoon.
Blowing Rock keeps its cozy twinkle lights up all winter long through the end of February.
Blowing Rock has no shortage of romantic inns and restaurants, however, a few inns can boast that they have both!
What better place to ring in the New Year than the vibrant Village of Blowing Rock? From winter hiking and skiing to shopping, family attractions, amazing views, creative restaurants, and a variety of accommodations!