The 77th North Carolina Rhododendron Festival is set to take place on June 21-22, 2024, at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain in Bakersville, North Carolina.
This annual festival draws hundreds of visitors from the region and features a variety of exciting events and activities for all ages.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming festival.
Events
The festival will offer a range of events and activities, including:
- The Rhododendron Festival Pageant featuring the current Rhododendron Queens and Contestants.
- A craft fair with food vendors and current artists.
- Live music performances throughout the day.
- Two nights of street dancing.
- A classic car show.
- A 10k run
Where to Stay
There aren’t a lot of accommodations in Bakersville, but you’ll find a few hotels or motels as well as campgrounds.
One of the most highly rated is the Richmond Inn Bed and Breakfast in nearby Spruce Pine. For camping, you may want to check out either Living Waters Campground. SpringMaid Mountain is also close by and has both campgrounds and cabins for rent, so they may be another really good option.
Parking and Shuttle Information
Roan Mountain Closure: During the festival, the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain will be closed to motor traffic but accessible to hikers.
To alleviate parking congestion at Carvers Gap, the Mitchell County Public Transportation Authority will run a shuttle on Friday, June 21st, and Saturday, June 22nd. The shuttle schedules will be released soon.
For more information and updates, visit the official festival website.