See you at Sourwood! Black Mountain’s popular festival returns Aug. 8-9, 2026
Every year since 1977, the picturesque town of Black Mountain, North Carolina has hosted its popular Sourwood Festival. This year, the annual community event takes place August 8-9, 2026. Organizers expect to welcome over 30,000 visitors who come for the 110 artisan vendors, local crafts, music, our walkable downtown full of unique shops and restaurants, kid’s entertainment, and a myriad of other events.
2026 Sourwood Festival
Festival Dates and Times
Saturday, August 8 from 10am-5pm
Sunday, August 9 from 11am-5pm
Free Admission
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Festival Location
Sourwood Festival is held throughout historic downtown Black Mountain.
You’ll find vendors, activities and events taking place on Cherry Street, Sutton Avenue, Black Mountain Avenue, Terry Estates and a small portion of Vance Avenue. While you’re enjoying the festival, be sure to also explore all the fantastic shops throughout our town!
Festival Map
Click here for a Sourwood Festival map and more detailed information.
Food
The Sourwood Festival features snack vendors, but we also encourage you to enjoy the many great restaurants, bars, and breweries in Black Mountain and Swannanoa.
Music
Check out the fantastic line-up!
Road Closures
To create a pedestrian-friendly experience during the Festival, several streets will be closed to vehicular traffic during the festival: Cherry Street, Sutton Avenue, Black Mountain Avenue, Terry Estates, and a small portion of Vance Avenue.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, with additional regular and handicap-accessible porta-johns located throughout the festival area.
Pet Policy
Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome to attend Sourwood Festival. Please be sure to clean up after your pet. Thanks!
Additional Festival Information
The annual Sourwood Festival is proudly presented by the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. Visit the Chamber’s website for more information at explorethevalley.org/sourwood-festival.
The Buzz: Sourwood Honey
Sourwood tree. Source: naturalsciences.org
Black Mountain’s annual Sourwood Festival is held in celebration of summertime, bees, and our locally-produced sourwood honey.
Sourwood trees (Oxydendrum arboreum) are native to the Appalachian region of the United States, and honey from these trees is rare and special. Sourwood honey is known for a light amber color, smooth texture, and a distinctive flavor profile that is a blend of sweet, slightly tangy, and subtly smoky notes plus aromatic qualities including cloves and spice.
Sourwood honey is excellent in cooking, baking, and right out of the jar.
Even more to see and do
As always, see what else is happening in our neck of the woods by consulting the calendar of events hosted by our friends at My Carolina Mountain Life. They’ve also produced a great Festival Guide: https://visitblackmountainnc.org/the-2026-sourwood-festival-black-mountain
Discover Black Mountain
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is a charming town known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor adventure, and Southern hospitality. Often called the "Front Porch of Western North Carolina," Black Mountain invites visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, discover unique local businesses, and enjoy the welcoming community spirit that make it such a special place to visit. See you at Sourwood!
Plan your Black Mountain Getaway
From our beautiful scenery to friendly downtown, culinary scene to annual festivals like Sourwood, Black Mountain is an excellent destination for friends and families alike. CLICK HERE to start planning your Black Mountain, NC getaway!
About the Author
This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.
