2026 Symphony :
Date: July 17, 2026
Location: Appalachian Ski Mountain
Opening Performance: Jake Hoot
Featured Performance: Symphony of the Mountains
Theme: Celebrating America’s 250th
Tickets on sale June 1.
What is the Symphony event in Blowing Rock?
The Symphony performance has been considered the jewel in the crown that is Blowing Rock’s Summer Season for 39 years. Folks gather under the open sky to hear Symphony of the Mountains perform a curated selection of music based around the year’s theme. The most recent event brought approximately 3,000 people around the lake at Chetola Resort, and this long partnership with the resort was cherished as the Symphony grew. In 2026, the Symphony moves to a new location to enjoy more space and natural acoustics: Appalachian Ski Mountain. As in years past, local businesses and families will arrange tents offered from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and go all out decorating them for the theme and providing their guests with delicious food. General Symphony guests are invited to bring picnics and blankets, and enjoy an incredible performance under the mountain sky!
Basic Event Information:
The gates open at 5:00pm with the opening performance beginning at 5:30pm. The featured performance begins at 7:30pm, and the evening wraps up with a fantastic firework finale! Tickets are available in advance only, and must be obtained from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave.
Guests with General Admission tickets are welcome to bring low lawn chairs and blankets. When choosing your seating accessories, keep in mind that the incline of the slopes create a natural amphitheater as well as uneven ground. Guests may also bring a cooler with a picnic meal, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Appalachian Ski Mountain will also be offering a cash bar with wine and beer. Items that are prohibited are: smoking on the premises, tall objects that will obstruct other’s view such as umbrellas or tall chairs and tables, grills or anything with an open flame, and pets (certified service animals welcome).
Planning, Arriving, and Parking:
Tickets for Symphony go on sale in spring. There are two types of ticket, General Admission and Audiophile. General Admission gets you through the gate while Audiophile places you in front of the Symphony tent, comes with a charcuterie box and 2 drink tickets per person, and the section is capped at 100 people for comfortability. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking spaces sell out quickly. There is also free parking available at Shoppes on the Parkway with a shuttle to the event. Free parking shuttles will also be available. See event website for shuttle route, ticket pricing and purchasing, and more.
During the Event:
This event is meant to be fun, social, and culturally enriching. Many people will be trying to listen to the Symphony’s performance so do be respectful of that fact. That being said, it is also the social event of the year, so walk around the perimeter, greet friends, and meet new people if you need to stretch your legs at any point. Bathroom trailers are brought in for the event so keep an eye out for those in case you need them. Enjoy your picnic dinner and beverages while the sounds of the Symphony of the Mountains washes over you.
Best Practices & Etiquette:
- Wear sunscreen for the remaining daylight hours.
- Bring rain protection just in case.
- Lots of folks show out in their summer best for this event, but be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. There will be walking and if it rains there will be mud.
- Don’t forget to hydrate! Especially if you’re bringing beer & wine, bring plenty of water in case it’s hot or you get thirsty.
- Carpool with friends as parking is limited.
- Be social, but not loud. People are there to listen to the music.
- The tents are private parties for family, friends and customers of tent holders, so don’t get food out of a tent without an invitation.
This event is intended to be fun, inspiring, and enriching for all of Blowing Rock’s residents and guests. It can get crowded so please keep in mind that everyone is there to have a good time and exercise patience where possible. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!
All photos on this page taken by Josh Floyd.