While journeys and destinations are linked, they don’t necessarily have to involve traveling physical distances. They are about transformation. 
Just as you’d expect lying on a beach to relax you or standing on a mountaintop to give you a better view of the landscape, the journey that leads you to your destination transforms your perspective on the world around you.

This type of transformation is a change of mindset, attitude, and outlook. All people – and groups of people – are capable of it. For instance, communities unite to transform themselves to welcome large gatherings as they celebrate the people or things they deem exceptional.  A local hero. A prominent industry. A distinctive cuisine. A well-known landmark: These things and the occasions when they’re recognized become so important to a place’s identity that they often come to define their communities. 

Mast General Store, too, prides itself on being a destination whose journey takes guests back in time. It’s one of many reasons we value our communities – their histories, customs, institutions, outdoor spaces, and, most of all, their people. With that, we also readily call attention to the events for which our Mast Store communities open themselves up to visitors as they celebrate the things that make them stand apart. The weather for these late summer and early fall events across the region is ideal, and your trip might even include a few stops to savor colors in the changing leaves. 

Whether you come from near or far, these events make for journeys well worth taking. They give us all destinations that will transport us and transform us as we share in celebrations of the places we call home.

BOONE – Doc Watson Day
Friday, August 18 – Saturday, August 19

Bluegrass and Americana music legend Doc Watson was proud to call Watauga County home. He busked on Boone’s streets as a young man before going on to travel the world sharing the traditional sound of the North Carolina mountains while brandishing his unique style of flatpicking to accompany his mellow baritone voice. 

Many events throughout the region have celebrated what would have been Watson’s 100th birthday this year, and Boone rightfully joins the festivities honoring the hometown hero with Doc Watson Day. The weekend event is co-hosted by the Jones House Cultural Center with a free concert that begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, August 18 featuring The Mustard Cutters, David Grier and Jake Stargel, and Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth. The party continues Saturday, August 19, with a lecture, Deciphering Dock Watson (11 a.m., FREE), and concert (7:30 p.m.) at the Appalachian Theatre headlined by Appalachian Road Show with special guest Bryan Sutton. For more information, visit the Appalachian Theatre. 

KNOXVILLE – International Food Festival
Saturday, August 19

The city that hosted the World’s Fair in 1982 has kept its appreciation for international cultures in its heart… and stomach! This year marks the 20th Annual International Food Festival fittingly held on the World’s Fair Performance Lawn 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, August 19.

The event brings together food vendors representing more than 25 countries, musical performances, crafts, kids’ entertainment, and an expected crowd of 35,000 people to celebrate culture, food, and community. Find out more and get presale tickets at follow this LINK. 

COLUMBIA – Soda City Comic Con
Saturday, August 19 – Sunday, August 20

If you’re hooked on pop culture, love learning about the art of entertainment, want to meet TV and movie stars face to face, and, even perhaps, don’t mind dressing up to become your favorite action or sci-fi hero for a day, head to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on the weekend of August 19 – 20!

Soda City Comic Con features more than 150 artists, vendors, entertainers, and cosplayers with meet-and-greets, panel discussions, and games for the whole family. Headliners include actors Sean Astin, Vanessa Angel, Summer Glau, and Michael and Jennifer Blanc Biehn as well as professional wrestling legends Lex Luger and Matt and Reby Hardy. HERE’s where you can go for a full schedule and ticket information.

WINSTON-SALEM – Winston-Salem Open
Saturday, August 19 – Saturday, August 26

Winston-Salem hosts a field that includes some of the world's biggest men’s tennis stars on the courts at Wake Forest University during the last full week of August. The Winston-Salem Open debuted in 2011 and has drawn Top 10 players, future tennis major tournament winners, Olympic medalists, and well-known United States Tennis Association talent, like local standout John Isner. The event is part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour 250 leading up to the U.S. Open in New York City, which begins later this month. 

Get information and tickets HERE.

BOONE – High Country Beer Festival
Saturday, August 26

The High Country has it all… stunning mountains, rushing rivers, serene forests, and, don’t forget, delicious beer! The 16th Annual High Country Beer Festival is a gathering of 42 of North Carolina’s best breweries in a gorgeous mountain setting.

In addition to 2-ounce samples of savory suds, guests can indulge in fermentation seminars, food, and live music from Pressley Laton, Educated Guess, and Will Willis and Friends. All offerings are free, with the exception of food and festival merchandise, after the purchase of a ticket. This event is 21 years old and over ONLY and no pets are allowed. This event typically sells out, so check HERE for your tickets NOW! 

GREENVILLE – ¡MAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival
Saturday, August 26

The future is now, and Greenville is ready to seize the moment by engaging its brightest young people. The ¡MAGINE Upstate Festival showcases education and career pathways in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics through hands-on learning for students and their families.

Upstate South Carolina companies, schools, and nonprofits collaborate to present thrilling and fun demonstrations aimed at connecting with students from PreK to 12th grade. Bring your little geniuses – or just yourself – to Downtown Greenville 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, August 26 to inspire and ignite their imaginations. Click HERE to learn more.

ROANOKE – Roanoke Wing Festival
Saturday, August 26

The folks in Southwest Virginia love their wings, but, then again, who doesn’t? The Roanoke Wing Festival is the biggest one-day festival the city hosts all year! The 14th annual event brings the plethora of flavors, styles, vendors, and deliciousness locals have come to expect. The day also holds live music and fun contests for the entire family.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the gate. Kids 12 and under get in free. Cash ONLY is accepted inside the festival so come with bills and get your tastebuds ready for plenty of thrills. Here’s MORE INFO. 

GREENVILLE – Upper South Carolina State Fair
Thursday, August 31 – Sunday, September 10

Late summer and early fall is a “fair” season indeed, and the old-fashioned fun it brings is a beloved tradition. The biggest joy of the Upper South Carolina State Fair is that there’s something for everyone: rides galore, an assortment of indulgent deep-fried foods, a family of motorcycle-racing daredevils, a demolition derby, and the traveling carnival-like World of Wonders Amazement Show.

For more information on ticket packages, a full schedule of events, and a list of vendors to help you plan your visit, go HERE.

HENDERSONVILLE – North Carolina Apple Festival
Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4

As wholesome and flavorful as the theme of the festival, Hendersonville’s North Carolina Apple Festival is a long-running “gala” the whole family will love. This Labor Day weekend street festival celebrates not just all things “apple,” but also the culture of the place where they’re grown in the mountains of Western North Carolina. 

A weekend of eating, playing, vendors, crafts, and live, local music, culminates with Monday’s King Apple Parade, which begins, rain or shine, at 2:30 p.m. Children’s rides, inflatables, and more are open each day in the Family Fun Zone. Plan your trip to Hendersonville by starting at the N.C. Apple Festival WEBSITE.

BOONE – Antlers and Acorns: The Boone Songwriters Festival
Tuesday, September 5 – Saturday, September 9

For an area as historically rich in Appalachian music as Boone is, it’s no surprise there’s a festival that celebrates the art of songwriting. Hosted at several venues throughout downtown, the event literally and figuratively centers on the image and influence of local legend Doc Watson, whose likeness depicts him flatpicking on a bench at the corner of King and Depot streets.

In addition to experiencing the music of songwriters, Antlers and Acorns uniquely offers attendees the opportunity to get to know the songwriters by going on a hike, kayaking, or fly fishing with them. Free and ticketed events occur all through the week. Get more information HERE.

GREENVILLE – euphoria
Thursday, September 14 – Sunday, September 17

Get a taste of the good life during Greenville’s euphoria festival. World-class, locally based chefs bring their talents, skills, and knowledge to the table for a bevy of events sure to delight foodies. 

Entering its 18th year, the festival celebrates Greenville as a burgeoning culinary capital and cultural hub in the Southeast through four days of exceptional food, drink, and music hosted at the city’s trendiest and most dignified venues. As a non-profit organization, it has also partnered with more than 40 area charities in its history. Learn more about euphoria and purchase tickets HERE.

WINSTON-SALEM – Art Crush/Made in NC at Mast General Store
Friday, September 15

Every third Friday of the month, Downtown Winston-Salem’s Trade Street closes to traffic and opens for art! Live performances and DIY art creation stations bring the neighborhood to life as galleries lining the block keep their lights on well into the evening for ART CRUSH open houses.

In the midst of all the art-themed action on Trade Street, the Winston-Salem Mast Store invites everyone to its Made in NC event! There, a broad, unique selection of local artisans’ and crafts people’s work and products will be on display and available for purchase. Stop by to see the best of what Piedmont creators have to offer, listen to some live tunes by the duo of Dooley and Willis from the rocking chairs on the street, and then wander through neighboring galleries for an enchanting evening steeped in arts, entertainment, and fun!

COLUMBIA – Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture
Saturday, September 16

Jubilee celebrates South Carolina’s Black history and culture on the grounds of Columbia’s Mann-Simons Site, a place steeped in the multi-generational entrepreneurial legacy of one of Columbia’s preeminent Black families. 

For 45 years, this free outdoor festival has brought together all people in the community through music, dance, arts, crafts, food, and storytelling. A full slate of performances including choirs, singer-songwriters, bands, DJs, a fashion show, and more, begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m. with a Kids Zone featuring educational and family-friendly activities, too. The two-house museum on the festival site is open for tours during the festival. For more information, click HERE.

KNOXVILLE – HoLa Festival
Saturday, September 16 – Sunday, September 17

Knoxville’s HoLa Festival kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is September. 15 – October 15, with a weekend celebration on the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn. The celebration features live music, dancing, arts and craft vendors, home-cooked food, craft beer, 21 educational Hispanic Heritage booths, children’s activities and games, community resources, a Parade of Nations, and fireworks at 9 p.m. to cap each evening’s events. 

Admission is $3 and children under 12 get in free. Current members of host organization HoLa Hora Latina also receive free admission. Learn more about the festival HERE.

WINSTON-SALEM – Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors
Saturday, September 23

The written word is alive and well at the Carolinas’ largest festival of books and authors. In its 18 year-history, the festival has hosted more than 750 authors from around the world. Previous writers in attendance have included winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the American Book Award, the Lambda and Alex Awards, the Nebula and Hugo Awards, the NAACP Image Award, and many more prestigious accolades and recognitions.

Author announcements for this year’s festival are currently being made on Bookmarks’ social media, so be sure to follow and stash away their books in advance to guarantee you’ll have your own copy for a signing. Food trucks will also be present to fuel your hunger for reading. The Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors is part of the Bookmarks literary arts nonprofit, whose programming promotes the love of literature in Winston-Salem year-round. You’ll want to bookmark this SITE for more information.

WINSTON-SALEM – Carolina Classic Fair
Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 8

There’s magic in the air and “Magic at the Fair” this fall in Winston-Salem. The Carolina Classic Fair ushers in the season with rides, entertainment, games, nightly fireworks, and, of course, tasty food.

A schedule of events is in the process of being posted on the fair’s website. It’s also still early enough that you can submit entries for your own livestock, baking, wine, photography, and art or register as a vendor. Save a little cash, too, and purchase tickets in advance, which are $8 for anyone ages 12 – 64 and $3 for kids. Rides are paid for separately with unlimited ride and admission package info available online.

COLUMBIA – South Carolina State Fair
Wednesday, October 11 – Sunday, October 22

“Meet Me at the Rocket” is an intriguing call to head out to a fair, but the largest annual event in the Palmetto State isn’t shy when it comes to making bold statements. With an average attendance of 400,000 visitors, more than 35,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a track record of fun that spans generations since 1869, the South Carolina State Fair knows how to entertain a crowd.

This year’s event will be no different featuring an array of agricultural and livestock competitions, food and craft vendors galore, thrilling rides, and a vintage market among plenty more exciting events. To give back to its attendees, the fair has provided more than $4 million in scholarships to South Carolina students since 1997. Begin planning your trip today HERE.

GREENVILLE – Fall for Greenville
Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15

This foodie favorite locale invites you to town for a weekend full of flavor. Showcasing tastes, tunes, and taps, Fall for Greenville features cuisine from more than 50 area restaurants, six stages of music hosting 80+ bands, and upwards of 50 beer and wine vendors to keep you refreshed as the perfect complement to your food and fun.

The magazine US News & World Report named this as one of its Top 30 Festivals in the United States. Entry and entertainment are FREE to the public, and for information on how to purchase Taste Tickets and wristbands in advance, follow this LINK.

ROANOKE – GO Outside Festival
Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15

Roanoke’s GO Fest lets you live the outdoor life to the extreme, and what better place to do it than in this outdoor lover’s paradise in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Featuring lumberjack shows, climbing and bouldering walls, races, BMX demos, silent disco dances, the BANFF Mountain Film Festival, and MORE, these events engage Star City residents and outdoor enthusiasts far beyond with all adrenaline-pumping activities under the sun.

Attendees can even party with a purpose, too, at the Project Outside benefit concert. Before you run, cycle, hike, or log-roll to Roanoke, visit this WEBSITE for more festival information.

WAYNESVILLE – Church Street Art & Craft Festival
Saturday, October 14

Waynesville’s 40th Annual Church Street Art & Craft Festival highlights work from some of the most creative artisans from the mountains of Western North Carolina. Artists, crafters, demonstrators, musicians, and food vendors fill the downtown district of this picturesque retreat in the Smokies.

The vendors of original pieces of art, including pottery, jewelry, woodworking, watercolors, photography, candles, quilts, and more, are evaluated by a professional jury to ensure quality. Live entertainment from two stages also carries the spirit of the mountains with cloggers and Scottish pipers. Learn more about attending and entering your own crafts HERE.

ASHEVILLE – Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Thursday, October 19 – Sunday, October 22

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville hosts the 76th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. The Southern Highlands Handicraft Guild is one of the most prestigious in the country. Many of its preeminent creators present wares ranging in style from contemporary to traditional and media including clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, leather, paper, and more.

Savor the imagination, skill, and beauty as you explore while also enjoying live music and craft demonstrations. Tickets are $10 and children under 12 receive free admission. Learn more HERE.

VALLE CRUCIS – Valle Country Fair
Saturday, October 21

A truly uplifting community event in the heart of the High Country, the Valle Country Fair showcases food, crafts, and mountain music. All proceeds from concessions and a portion from craft exhibitors benefit local nonprofits. An array of games and entertainment makes the event a joy for the entire family and well worth the visit to the fair’s off-the-beaten-path site amongst the fall foliage and serene mountain setting. Admission to the fair is free, but there is a parking fee. You can learn more about the Fair and its involvement in the community HERE. (Pro tip: Arrive early in the day!)

WAYNESVILLE – Apple Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 21

The mountains of Western North Carolina are a hub for apple production, so it’s fitting there are multiple festivals in the region that celebrate this versatile fruit. Waynesville’s Apple Harvest Festival stands out among them and has been called one of the ten best fall harvest festivals in the country.

Dozens of food and craft vendors gather along Main Street to show off apple-icious creations and a love for the culture and scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy local restaurants and shopping while you’re there, too. The festival runs 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is FREE. Ample parking is available in the parking deck near the courthouse and in surface lots on side streets. For more information, check out this LINK.

BANNER ELK – Woolly Worm Festival
Saturday, October 21 – Sunday, October 22

Of course, there should be a fall festival honoring nature’s fluffiest, winter weather-forecasting insect! This High Country event in Banner Elk, just a few miles across the mountain from the Original Mast General Store and Mast Store Annex, has been such a hit, that it’s entering its 46th year and draws an average annual attendance of 20,000 visitors.

Famous for its woolly worm races, the winners of which receive prizes of $1,000 and $500 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, the Woolly Worm Festival also includes food, around 150 craft vendors, live music, and kids’ activities. All the action is set against the backdrop of fall foliage so stunning that you’ll want to run up the mountain as fast as a woolly worm! For festival information and a key to reading woolly worms so that you, too, can predict this winter’s weather, race on over to this WEBSITE.