Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with excitement, as the much-anticipated Morganton Festival presented by UNC Health Blue Ridge returns to downtown Morganton on September 11th and 12th. This beloved community event promises an exhilarating experience for all who attend, with over 250 vendors offering a diverse range of crafts, free entertainment across two stages, mouth-watering food that will tantalize your taste buds, thrilling rides and games, and an abundance of fun for all ages. Gather your friends and family and prepare to come play in the streets at the Morganton Festival. Stay connected to http://www.morgantonfest.org for more information.
The full event kicks off on Friday, September 11th at noon with nine blocks of downtown filled with a variety of craft vendors offering an assortment of handmade art, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, soap, candles and more. Be sure to come hungry because the mouth-watering festival fare vendors will definitely tempt your taste buds with the aromas of gyros, BBQ “chicken on a stick,” egg rolls, cinnamon rolls, chicken wings, Mexican cuisine, burgers, funnel cakes, ice cream and much more.
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The ever-popular Kids Zone and Teen Zone will open at 4:00 p.m. with ticketed rides and games along with the free craft area known as Litter Critters for children in grades fifth and under. For teens and fun-loving adults, the Teen Zone (located on North Sterling Street) features a Wild West mechanical bull, a new lion climb and slide, a 4 Man Tug-N-Dunk, and an inflatable obstacle course. This year the festival is also bringing back the inflatable option for children 4 and under.
The former Pepsi Stage has been relocated from North Sterling Street to the patio beside The Madness and King Street. Now sponsored by REMAX Southern Lifestyles, this stage will feature local musicians on the patio and community performance groups on King Street throughout Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the afternoon on the patio begins with Dynamo starting at 3:00 p.m., followed by a performance from the JAM Kids on King Street at 4:30 p.m. To wrap up Friday evening, attendees can enjoy live music from Joe Hasty and his jazz band on the patio beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is a shaded spot to relax and enjoy local performers.
After a day full of shopping, eating and fun, visitors can head to the Historic Courthouse Square Amphitheater Stage for free music entertainment. Music begins Friday evening on the Courthouse Square Stage. From 7:30–9:00 p.m., there will be a performance by SEPTEMBER: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Formed by a group of passionate musicians and performers, this tribute captures the essence of the original band, bringing their sound, classic hits and energy to life.
Closing out Friday night from 9:30–11:00 p.m. is Purple Madness – Prince Tribute Show. Ranked as the nation's premier Prince tribute, this performance delivers a celebration of funk, rock, soul and showmanship. From the groove of "Kiss" to the passion of "Purple Rain," fans will experience a larger-than-life show that keeps the spirit of the entertainer alive.
The festival returns for another day starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12th. Yard art, crafted toys, wines, home decor, plants, pottery and jewelry can be discovered along the blocks of North and South Sterling and East and West Union. Throughout the day, there are activities for the entire family, including local performances at the REMAX Southern Lifestyles Stage beside The Madness and on King Street, and roving entertainment in the KidZone.
Saturday’s REMAX Southern Lifestyles Stage entertainment begins at 9:30 a.m. with Robert Gucwa, followed by the band Riverstones at 11:00 a.m. Afternoon performances feature Tumblemania at 12:30 p.m., Sherri’s School of Dance at 2:00 p.m., live music from Brandon Bethel at 3:30 p.m. and the Southern Swag Dance Academy at 5:00 p.m. More details are available at www.morgantonfest.org.
The main stage music continues Saturday evening on the Historic Courthouse Square Stage with Johnny Mullenax at 5:00 p.m., followed by a performance from Dirty Grass Soul at 6:30 p.m. Closing out the festival from 8:30–10:00 p.m. is headliner Eddie 9V, who brings soul, blues and storytelling alongside guitar work.
All concerts are free, and entrance into the festival grounds is free.
The Morganton Festival is presented by UNC Health Blue Ridge. The festival is also sponsored by Case Farms, North Carolina Education Lottery, Pepsi, Seiren North America, Paramount Automotive, SanStone Health & Rehabilitation, The Paper, KICKS 103.3, The News Herald, Bigfoot Country Radio, United Carolina Beverages, REMAX Southern Lifestyles, Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center, CoMPAS X-Stream, CoMMA, Republic Services of NC, Atlantic Bay Mortgage, Law Offices of John W. Alexander, PLLC, TWFG Jeff Kincaid Insurance, WNC Plumbing & Drain Services, Window World of Catawba Valley and Packaging Corporation of America.
Residents and visitors are invited to come play in the streets and be a part of this event on September 11th and 12th in downtown Morganton. The festival is an animal-free event and will be held rain or shine. For a complete listing of all the events, including the Historic Courthouse Square Stage, REMAX Southern Lifestyles Stage and more, contact organizers by phone at 828-438-5280, by email, or visit www.morgantonfest.org.
