May 20, 2026, 11:24 a.m.

June is Festival Season in McDowell County

Four of McDowell County’s most beloved springtime festivals are scheduled throughout the month of June, making it the place to be for fun in the Blue Ridge. With the backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery, the Trails & Trains Festival, the NC Gold Festival, the Marion Livermush Festival, and the Juneteenth Freedom Festival will provide a range of activities, from sampling some of the area’s tasty traditional food, zenning out in the forest on a yoga hike, to learning about North Carolina’s gold history, experiencing thrilling mountain biking through the art of film, and honoring African American culture and heritage.

Trails & Trains Festival in Old Fort: June 4-6th

The Trails & Trains Festival returns for a fourth year to the Town of Old Fort to celebrate the town’s railroad history, as well as its abundance of natural resources and the community’s rallying together to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Expanding the popular festival to three days is an opportunity for attendees to enjoy multiple outdoor experiences, history talks, live music and shops and businesses around Old Fort’s picturesque downtown.

The festival kicks off on June 4th with keynote speech at Euda Wine and a film screening of "Best Day Ever" at Foothills Watershed Bike Park. John Kelly, the keynote speaker, has been internationally recognized for multiple FKT (Fastest Known Time) and completing The Barkley Marathon three times. The evening concludes with outdoor trivia with trivia master PJ Miller hosting.

The Rhythm & Railes Bluegrass Night is set for June 6 with performances by Zoe and Cloyd, Darren Nicholson, and The Travelin' McCourys, as well as other surprise guests.

Throughout the festival a variety of outdoor adventures are taking place:

Fun Hikes: Yoga Hike, Sunrise Hike, Hike With Your Hound
Friends of Fonta Flora Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Music by the Happy Enchiladas in Vendor Village
Food Trucks
Train Expo and historic talks at the Old Fort Train Depot
Presentations about local trails and demonstrations for learning new outdoor adventure skills
Henry the Hiker Scavenger Hunt
Trail Maintenance with G5b Trail Collective
Film Festival at McDowell Tech (Saturday)
Yoga Fest All Day Saturday

Support from Destination McDowell, McDowell County, the Town of Old Fort, the McDowell Trails Association, Old Fort Bike Shop, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the Jazz Foundation of America has made it possible for the festival to extend to three full days.

The full schedule of events is available at www.oldfortfest.com.

The 22nd Annual NC Gold Festival in Marion: June 5-6

The 22nd Annual NC Gold Festival, a free two-day family-friendly celebration of North Carolina’s rich gold heritage, takes place June 5-6 at the Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine in Marion.

Presented by the NC Gold Foundation, the festival originated in 2004 to educate the public about North Carolina’s role as the site of the first Gold Rush in the U.S. in 1799, 50 years before the more well-known California Gold Rush.

This year’s festival will include gold mining demonstrations; gold mining equipment dealers; educational and historical exhibits; food vendors; arts and crafts booths; a bouncy house for the kids; and live entertainment.

Additionally, the Coin & Currency Show will return this year. Hosted by the Marion Coin Club in the Clubhouse on June 7, this unique event is a must-see for collectors and curious minds alike.

The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine is located at 251 Lucky Strike Drive in Marion. Festival hours are 2 to 9 p.m. on June 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June. 6.

For more information, visit www.ncgoldfoundation.org.

Marion’s 18th Annual Livermush Festival, It’s a Squeal!: June 6

Marion will celebrate its 18th Annual Livermush Festival from 5 to 9 p.m.on Saturday, June 6, on Main Street in Historic Downtown Marion.

To honor the legacy of this Appalachian delicacy, the festival’s annual Food Truck Rodeo returns to crown the 2026 “Livermush Master.” Participating restaurants and food trucks will each serve at least one livermush dish, competing for the coveted title. Attendees can purchase the offerings and cast their vote for the best dish at the information booth.

The highly anticipated Pig Calling and Pig Squealing contests are back again. Winners for the best Pig Call and best Pig Squeal each receive $25 and a Livermush Festival t-shirt.

Live music is scheduled throughout the festival:

John Richardson’s band Slow Burn will provide the sounds of traditional mountain music from 5 to 6 p.m and again from 7:15 p.m. until 9 p.m.
At 7 p.m., Little Miss McDowell, Valerie Foster, will sing some of her favorite songs.

Kids will enjoy inflatables, face painting and other activities. Arts and craft vendors will also be on hand. Downtown Marion’s restaurants, taprooms, meadery and brewery will be open.

Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival: A Celebration of Resilience, Culture, and Unity: June 18-21

The Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival, taking place June 19-22 is a live, four-day celebration in Marion, dedicated to honoring African American culture, heritage, and the enduring significance of the abolition of slavery. This is an inclusive event, welcoming people of all races, nationalities, and religions to join together in reflection, appreciation, and celebration. Vendors and food trucks will be

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community has demonstrated incredible resilience and compassion. As we continue to navigate the path to recovery, it’s vital that we also make space for joy, unity, and reflection,” says Paula Swepson, Executive Director of West Marion, Inc. “That’s why West Marion Inc. is proud to move forward with the 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. This celebration is for everyone—a time to honor history, embrace hope, and uplift one another. We invite all members of our community to join us for this momentous event as we come together in strength, solidarity, and celebration.”