Wintertime in these ancient and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is wonderful. Sure, it can get pretty cold because of the four full seasons this region experiences - nothing some layers can’t take care of. And occasionally there’s snow, which makes everything here feel more magical, but rarely sticks around long enough to cause inconvenience. In the midst of this lovely winter weather, McDowell County, NC is a warm and hospitable respite with local businesses and accommodations happy to welcome you.
The charm of these small mountain towns will not be lost on you as you chat with the brewery owner while you enjoy his house made beer, or spy the shy wildlife while hiking a trail near your cabin in the woods. You may realize the cure for any winter blues is simply a visit to these mountains to experience a whole different side of the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC in McDowell. Here are some winter events in McDowell County to add to your bucket list during your visit this season.
Please note: All event info is subject to change! Check our event page for the most up-to-date info.
January Winter Events
January 15th: Songwriter Night at Bigfoot Books & Brews
- Location: 124 E Court Street, Marion, NC
- Time: Thursday 7 - 9P
- Details: Warm up in this eclectic bookstore & coffee shop in downtown Marion with an evening of original music by local songwriters in this showcase hosted by an award-winning songwriter, Freddy Bradburn.
January 16th: All Crawfish Go to Heaven at Foothills Watershed
- Location: 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort, NC
- Time: Friday 6 - 8P
- Details: This trio of blues musicians will have the whole family’s feet stompin’ and hips shakin’ at the Foothills Watershed where food and drink are always available, alongside the Catawba River.
January 22nd: The Inaugural Open Mic Thursday at The Box Factory Performance and Event Center
- Location: 29 Logan Street, Marion, NC
- Time: Thursday - Doors Open at 6P
- Details: Calling all of those karaoke lovers! Taking up space will be so much fun in this large event center with no cover charge.
January 30th: Bluegrass Night with Del Rio Trio at the Foothills Watershed
- Location: 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort, NC
- Time: Friday 6 - 8P
- Details: Warming up is easy when there’s toe-tapping bluegrass swirling through the air. Bring the whole crew to this family-friendly night of music and enjoy the great food and house-brewed beer.
February Winter Events
February 13th: Honky Tonk Dance Hall at the Foothills Watershed
- Location: 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort, NC
- Time: Friday 6 - 9P
- Details: Here’s another great chance to warm up after a day of playing outside with line-dancing and two-stepping. Catch the dance lesson from 6 - 6:30P and stay for the live music and food and drinks. No cover and the whole family is welcome!
February 21st: Live Pro Wrestling - the No Love Lost Event
- Location: The Box Factory Performance and Event Center at 29 Logan Street, Marion, NC
- Time: Saturday - Doors Open at 6P, Belltime at 7P
- Details: Get your tickets for this USA Main Event Wrestling in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
February 21st: Mardi Gras Celebrations at both Mica Town Brewing locations
- Location: 25 Brown Drive, Marion, NC & 311 NC 126, Nebo, NC
- Time: Saturday 2 - 9P
- Details: Find your fellow revelers at either Mica Town Brewing location for celebratory drinks and eats and treat yourself to Mardi Gras, Blue Ridge Mountain style.
February 28th: Catawba Falls 15K
- Location: Foothills Watershed, Old Fort, NC
- Time: Saturday 9A Start
- Details: Trail runners, this one is for you! Spend a Saturday morning on a race course that will show you the Catawba River and Falls, that includes smooth and scenic to steeply invigorating and technical. Be sure to celebrate your finish with a Foothills beer by the river.
