Sweeter than honey: Black Mountain’s Sourwood Festival

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 9-10, 2025. Organizers expect to welcome over 30,000 visitors who come for the 200+ artisan vendors, local crafts, our walkable downtown full of unique shops and restaurants, kid’s entertainment, and a myriad of associated events.

Not to mention the honey.

sourwood tree in bloom

Sourwood tree. Source: naturalsciences.org

The Buzz: Sourwood Honey

No, let’s DO mention the honey. 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.

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!

2025 Sourwood Festival Details

Festival Dates and Times

Saturday, August 9 from 9am-7pm
Sunday, August 10 from 9am-5pm

Festival Location 
Sourwood Festival is held throughout historic downtown Black Mountain. You’ll find vendors, activities and events taking place on Cherry St., Sutton Ave., Black Mountain Ave., Broadway Ave., Vance Ave. and Town Square. While you’re enjoying the festival, be sure to also explore all the fantastic shops in downtown!

Free Admission
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public. 

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!

Road Closures 
To create a pedestrian-friendly experience during the Sourwood Festival, several streets will be closed to vehicular traffic, including Cherry St., Sutton Ave., Black Mountain Ave., and a small portion of Vance Ave. 

Parking and Shuttle 
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo. Additional parking is available at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival-goers off on Vance Ave. 

Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square. There will also be regular and handicap porta-potties 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!

Sourwood Festival photo

Source: Sourwood Festival Facebook page

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: exploreblackmountain.com/sourwood-festival

Sourwood Pottery Market at BMCA

In conjunction with the Festival, the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA) is hosting its annual Sourwood Pottery Market from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Market is located behind the BMCA building.

Festival Weekend Music & Events

Come for the Sourwood Festival, stay for a three-day weekend! Click here to see the Festival Guide for more things to do while you’re in town. We also recommend you check out this excellent calendar of live music and events, which is hosted by our friends at My Carolina Mountain Life.

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.

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