A highlight of Blowing Rock WinterFest, presented by Hendrick Automotive, the Polar Bear Plunge is guaranteed to be a chillingly good time! Jumpers raise money for local non-profits by dressing up and taking a dive into Chetola's lake.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by A. Y. Jackson's "Smart River (Alaska)". Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided.
Warm up at the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge , a fan-favorite WinterFest event where local restaurants team up with non-profits to serve the tastiest chili in town. Guests can sample a variety of flavorful chili recipes, vote for their favorites, and enjoy live entertainment and festive winter activities.
The WFDD 2025 Photo of the Year exhibition showcases all 52 submissions that were chosen as Photo of the Week last year and gives visitors the opportunity to vote for their favorites.
Relax and toast to the season at the WinterFest Beer Garden , featuring local craft beers, tasty bites, and a festive winter atmosphere. Guests can mingle with friends, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate the spirit of the season in a fun, community-focused setting.
This is event is free and open to the public. Performances will be 20 - 25 minutes long and will take place at 2 & 3 pm. The choreography is designed so that the public can move through the exhibition while the performance is taking place.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by A. Y. Jackson's "Smart River (Alaska)". Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided.
Join BRAHM for an evening of friends, fellowship, and supporting Alzheimer’s research. BRAHM and the Blowing Rock Rotary Club are proud to present Wine & Dine for the Mind — one part charity auction, one part dinner party — where you can step out of the cold and into the warm glow of altruism.
WinterPaws returns to Blowing Rock WinterFest with a fun and furry celebration for pet lovers! This year’s event is proudly sponsored by the Watauga Humane Society, bringing adorable adoptables, community engagement, and plenty of wagging tails to the winter festivities.
Blowing Rock Art in the Park celebrates six decades of shows! Enjoy fine art and handcrafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock.
The Saddlebred classes are loaded with chrome and flash. The atmosphere at a Saddlebred show is electric, with teams shouting encouragement and rooting for their favorites.
Blowing Rock Art in the Park celebrates six decades of shows! Enjoy fine art and handcrafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock.