Redefine the Weekend in Black Mountain, NC – Art Galleries, Live Music, Festivals & More
Known as the “Front Porch of Western North Carolina,” Black Mountain combines small-town warmth with a community spirit. Its walkable streets are lined with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. And, though it closed in 1957, Black Mountain College once stood on the banks of Lake Eden. Today, take a sweet weekend trip to explore the town’s historic charm. friendly atmosphere, and enduring art legacy.
A Downtown Walk
When you choose Black Mountain as a destination, know that 1) its small square footage means it’s easy to walk the entire downtown in a short time, and 2) the town offers A LOT of art per capita. You can start your journey on West State Street, grabbing coffee and a pastry at The Dripolator to get started.
Next door you’ll find the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA). It lives up to its arts center reputation by offering gallery exhibits, concerts, theatre, special events, and classes for all ages in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Their next free exhibition, “Mountains and Valleys” opens August 1. It will feature the incredible work of the Guild of American Papercutters. Wander the exhibit and enjoy, but before you leave, be sure to pick up a map for a self-guided walking tour of Black Mountain’s public art to have on your walk.
Stop at the corner of West State Street and Cherry Street to see The Red House Gallery & Studios, the home of the Swannanoa Valley Art League (SVAL). Founded in 1967, SVAL is one of the oldest art leagues in Western North Carolina. The long-standing institution moved to downtown Black Mountain in early 2024, though, making it easier than ever to tour their working studios, enjoy their gallery exhibits, or take an art workshop. Plus, now through September 8, you can view their 2025 Annual Juried Exhibition and see the outstanding pieces selected for display.
Sarah Sunshine Pottery is directly next door to The Red House. This chaplain-turned-potter moved into the space in 2021, and she now welcomes guests to purchase her thoughtful, organic pieces. Keep walking along Cherry Street, and visit other spots like Bella Gallery for handmade and estate jewelry, Mountain Nest for carefully curated regional wares from over 100 artists, and the Seven Sisters Gallery, which strives to provide high quality art for purchase at every budget.
Artsperiences
The North Carolina Glass Center, whose first location is a beloved part of the River Arts District, opened its new, state-of-the-art studio in Black Mountain Studio. The location boasts a hot shop, cold shop, and flame shop. The nonprofit’s expansion means its low-cost shared studio model is available for more artists to start or expand their work.
Perusing their gallery, you’ll find fine glass art from both established and emerging artists. If you have time while you’re exploring, you might want to take a class or watch a demonstration in the studio, too. In Black Mountain, they offer one day classes in fusing and furnace work to the public. They also offer classes and workshops and as part of their community outreach to veterans, youth and marginalized individuals to learn the unbreakable power of glass.
For another experiential stop, Cariku Art Lab provides a comfortable, supportive space for exploration. Venezuelan-born painter and sculptor Carolina Rojas started the Lab with a vision “that artists and craftspeople of all backgrounds converge in this studio to experiment, learn, make, reflect, and grow artistically.” To this end, Cariku Art Lab offers small classes in pottery, hand building, sculpture, resin, and wood in an open floor-plan environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and materials freely.
After you’ve wandered and experienced the art of the town, grab a bite to eat at Foothills The Grange. You can expect locally made burgers and hotdogs, plus a kids play area. If fancy is more your style, make a reservation at Hell or High Water, also owned by Foothills Local Meats, that brings seasonal ingredients to the table. Then, maybe you want to treat your ears to something musical for dessert?
Musical Pursuits
The White Horse Black Mountain venue fills the historic McMurray Building, built in the 1940s as an automotive dealership. They completed an entire interior renovation in 2024. With this, they added square footage to their listening room, new sound and lighting systems, and a fresh feel to the space, including a new bar, refreshed lobby, and more. Hurricane Helene hit just 10 weeks after they reopened, and they credit the support of their loyal members for their survival during recovery.
Today, following their recent renovation, high, curved wood ceilings create beautiful acoustics for performances. The listening environment sets the stage (literally) for events including music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, poetry, theatre, and films. It’s wise to check their calendar and get your tickets to stretch your Black Mountain day into an unforgettable evening.
You can enjoy the venue as part of the Black Mountain Blues Festival this September. The Festival, presented by the non-profit Black Mountain Blues Society, brings its second annual celebration to downtown Black Mountain. It will feature live music, panel discussions, open blues jams, and educational opportunities that connect communities through music and culture. Plus, the 2025 Festival will donate 50% of net proceeds to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, making this musical celebration a meaningful contribution to regional rebuilding
Black Mountain also has a sweet music store – Acoustic Corner – that’s been providing the instruments repairs to locals for nearly 25 years. Stop in and chat if you need to get a tune-up or something fresh to take home and learn to play.
From browsing local galleries to catching a show at the renovated White Horse Black Mountain, every corner reflects the creativity and resilience that defines this “Front Porch of Western North Carolina.” Plan your visit around special events for an extra boost to your trip. Whatever you choose, you’ll discover why this small town’s big heart makes it the perfect destination for locals and visitors that supports regional artists and the community’s ongoing recovery efforts.
Special Events
ArtsAVL’s Events Calendar is the best place to find the latest art events, but make sure to mark your calendar for these great summer and fall opportunities.
Sourwood Festival
Saturday & Sunday, August 8-9 | Free
Saturday, 9 AM–8 PM; Sunday, 9 AM-5 PM
Guaranteed to be the sweetest festival in town, don’t miss Downtown Black Mountain’s Sourwood Festival. It’s a vibrant celebration of bees and locally-produced sourwood honey.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts Sourwood Pottery Market
Saturday & Sunday, August 8-9 | Free
10 AM-4 PM
While downtown Black Mountain celebrates the annual Sourwood Festival, BMCA joins the fun with their Sourwood Pottery Market. Potters will sell their wares behind the BMCA building from 10am-4pm both days.
Black Mountain Blues Festival
Friday- Sunday, September 26-28
3-day pass $108
The 2nd annual festival will take place in downtown Black Mountain, NC across multiple venues. Enjoy music, panel discussions, open blues jams, and educational opportunities. Plus, the 2025 Festival will donate 50% of net proceeds to Hurricane Helene recovery.
LEAF Retreat
Friday – Sunday, October 16-19 | Free
9 AM-7 PM
Celebrate 30 years of LEAF Global Arts at Lake Eden. This family-friendly festival promises a weekend of global art, music, culture, camping, lake adventures, healing arts, and workshops.
Holly Jolly
Friday, December 5 | Free
5 PM-8 PM
Celebrate the season with live music, lovely lights, and Santa! Plus, local shops stay open late so you can mark gifts off your list.
