All aboard for Art on the Tracks
Since 1998, the Old Depot Association has presented Art on the Tracks, a biannual juried arts fair held along the railroad corridor in downtown Black Mountain, North Carolina. This fall, Art on the Tracks takes place from 10am-5pm on Saturday, October 24 and will showcase one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, woodworking, painting, photography, and more by over 50 local and regional artists and crafters. Live entertainment and food vendors will be on hand, too!
As a nonprofit organization, the Old Depot Association hosts Art on the Tracks to raise money for art programs in Swannanoa Valley schools. What a great way to inspire the next generation of artists!
Art on the Tracks 2026
Sutton Street
Black Mountain, NC
June 6 and October 24
10am-5pm
More info at olddepot.org/artbythetracks.html
Free parking! Info: visitblackmountain.net/about/downtown-parking-map
(above, L to R) Spring 2026 Art on the Tracks featured artists such as Jan Collier, Kathy Kmonicek and Becca Childress
How old is the Old Depot?
Black Mountain's Train Depot was completed by the Southern Railway in 1909, but was rebuilt after a fire ravaged the town of Black Mountain in 1912. The resulting single-story structure featured a Craftsman-style hipped roof, flared eaves and large triangular brackets.
Old Depot in Black Mountain, NC. Source: imfixintoblog.com/most-beautiful-towns-in-north-carolina
In its heyday, the depot was one of the busiest train stops in North Carolina, welcoming up to 10 passenger trains a day. Those trains brought tourists and tradespeople to the Swannanoa Valley, as well as visitors looking for cures for respiratory ailments such as tuberculosis. Today, the building is home to the Old Depot Arts & Crafts Gallery and is managed by the Old Depot Association.
About The Old Depot Association
The Old Depot Association was founded in 1976 to protect and maintain the historic Black Mountain Train Depot and support the teaching of mountain and heritage crafts in Swannanoa Valley schools. A master craft and fine art gallery is housed in the Old Depot, and the Association hosts Art by the Tracks to raise money for heritage art programs in local schools. Learn more at olddepot.org.
October is heavenly in Western North Carolina
As you enjoy Art on the Tracks and our many small businesses throughout our downtown, you might also hear the fall colors calling to you from our nearby mountain ranges. October is a great time to explore overlooks, scenic drives and trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway! CLICK HERE to learn more.
Take a break in Black Mountain, NC
Western North Carolina is absolutely brimming with art and music, and so much is inspired by the natural beauty surrounding us! So why not come for the Art on the Tracks and stay for it all? Check out the wide range of accommodations in Black Mountain, from traditional hotels and historic inns to boutique properties and mountainside vacation rentals. CLICK HERE to start planning your art and nature-inspired getaway!
