June is Festival Season in McDowell County, N.C

McDowell County -- Press Release: 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. 

Events throughout the month promise multiple options for Blue Ridge fun!

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 - Old Fort, N.C.: June 5 - 7

The Trails & Trains Festival returns for a third year to 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. All events are free except for the Ritual Mountain Bike Film Festival at Euda Wine on June 7.

The festival kicks off on June 5 with Bike Day and Pump Track Jam at the new Watershed Bike Park. "Trail Talk" with Jennifer Pharr Davis, internationally recognized speaker and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, will share her experiences on and off the trail in resilient outdoor communities like Old Fort.

The Rails & Rhythms Bluegrass Night is set for June 6 with performances by Zoe and Cloyd, Darren Nicholson, and the Blue Ridge All-Star Bluegrass Band featuring Buddy Melton, Shawn Lane, Danielle Bishop, Colby Laney, Jacob Burleson and other surprise guests. The event will feature limited edition "Old Fort Mountain Music" merchandise; a 50/50 raffle, and an Old Fort Mountain Music-style cake stand. The Barefoot Baby Foundation will provide children's activities.

The Ritual Mountain Bike Film Festival screens on June 7 at  Euda Wine. The festival is a traveling film series that features films made by mountain bike filmmakers who weave together the industry's best stories, riders, locations and more. The two-hour show consists of two segments and an intermission featuring a mix of films ranging from 20-minute long-form stories to 3-minute shred flicks rooted in adventure, inspiration, and spectacular cinematography. General admission tickets are $15, and may be purchased here.

Throughout the festival a variety of outdoor adventures taking place:

Fun Hikes: Yoga Hike, Watercolor Hike, Hike With Your Hound

Ridge to Rails 50K | Half | 10K Race 

5k Run/Walk on the Fonta Flora State Trail 

Music by the Happy Enchiladas in Vendor Village with 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 and Nature Trivia Event

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 oldfortfest.com/

The 21st Annual NC Gold Festival - Marion, N.C.: June 6 - 7

The 21st Annual NC Gold Festival, a free two-day family-friendly celebration of North Carolina's rich gold heritage, takes place June 6 - 7 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 6; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June. 7. Admission and parking are free. 

For more information, visit ncgoldfoundation.org/

Marion's 17th Annual Livermush Festival, It's a Squeal!: June 7

Marion will celebrate its 17th Annual Livermush Festival from 5 to 9 p.m.on Saturday, June 7, 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 2025 "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.

Last year's winner of the "Livermush Master" title - Mama T's Rolling Snack Shack - will return to defend their title. Other food trucks participating include Countryside BBQ,  Top Fuel Grill, Sips Soda Shop, The Just Peachy Pop Shop, Scoops & More, Appalachian Chics, Pelican's Snoballs of Marion, Ain't that Sweet Cotton Candy, Kettle Corn from MB Concessions and Jay's Lemonade!

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.

The Foothills Community School String Band plays at 6 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. 

Sponsors for the 17th Annual Marion Livermush Festival include Hunter's Livermush, McDowell Hospital, McDowell Technical Community College, Carolina Chiropractic Plus, Renewal by Anderson, Cellular Sales Verizon in Conover, NC, Optimum, and the City of Marion.

4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival: A Celebration of Resilience, Culture, and Unity: June 19 - 22

The 4th 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." 

Special events include:

Juneteenth Pageant 

June 19, 6 to 9 p.m. (doors open 5:30 p.m.), East McDowell Jr. High 

An evening showcasing the richness of African American culture through performances, speeches, and community recognition. $5 entry fee.

Juneteenth Brunch 

June 20, 11 a.m. to  2 p.m., Marion Community Building 

A time for fellowship over food, games, networking, and meaningful conversations about the legacy of Juneteenth. 

Festival in the Park 

June 21, 4 to 8 p.m., West Marion Community Park 

A family-friendly event with live music, local vendors, food trucks, and cultural performances. 

Community Worship Service 

June 22, Devotion begins at 10:30 a.m. West Marion Community Park

A spiritually enriching service focused on freedom, unity, and justice.

More information is available at westmarion.org/juneteenth-freedom-festivals

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Contact Information for each festival:

Trails & Trains Festival

Chuck Aldridge
Trails & Trains Committee
Phone: 828-460-3438
Email: caldridge9@yahoo.com

oldfortfest.com

NC Gold Festival

NC Gold Foundation

Email: ncgoldfoundation@gmail.com
Phone: 828-803-2247

Marion Livermush Festival 

828-652-2215

www.marionlivermushfestival.com

Juneteenth Freedom Festival

Dawna Ledbetter, Director of Equity 

West Marion Inc. 

dawna@westmarion.org 

westmarion.org/juneteenth-freedom-festivals

Image: WNCTimes