Community Calendar

Join Shepherd Shakespeare Company for this never-before-heard tale of Hamlet’s adventures amongst the pirates of the North Sea! How did Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, end up aboard a pirate ship? Will he ever make it back home? Find out in this rollicking and interactive tale! This performance will be at Mountains Branch on Tuesday, July 29th at 2:00pm

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Watch enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission. Activities kick off at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and adjacent Wildlife Habitats.

The Penland Gallery presents Family Dinner, an exhibition of wood sculpture by artist Vivian Chiu, through August 30. A reception will be held on Friday, July 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM with an artist talk at 4:30 PM.

The pieces in the exhibition are vessel forms made from pine crate wood. The artist received a gift of wooden shipping crates from Wing On Wo and Co, the oldest continuously operated storefront in Manhattan’s Chinatown. She dismantled them, cut them into hundreds of carefully calculated pieces, and then reassembled them into vessel forms that echo the porcelain wares that were shipped in the crates. Some of the pieces incorporate marquetry to create narrative imagery evoking stories of Chiu’s childhood in Hong Kong.

The work is beautiful and evocative, the technical complexity and execution are remarkable, and it all adds up to a breathtaking exhibition.

Join the Greer Farmers Market for it's 10th Anniversary year in Greer, each Sunday from May-August, 11AM-2PM. 30+ Farmers, Makers, and Bakers are nestled in scenic Greer City Park along with live music, food trucks, and kids activities. Come shop and eat local with us. We are a SNAP retailer, Healthy Bucks site, and have more food assistance programs TBA. Learn more at GreerFarmersMarket.com.

Playing John Prine/Americana

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the bar located on the lawn from 4:00-8:00 PM.

Schedule:
5:30-6:45 PM Paul Koptak & Kevin Dolan (Americana/classic, Rock/Bluegrass)
7:15-8:30 PM Two Step Too (American acoustic music, guitars, harmonicas, percussion)
4:00-8:30 PM Silly Willies (specialty hot dog cart)

Challenge yourself while drinking beer! Teams of up to 6 can compete for fantastic prizes. Join us in the taproom every Wednesday from 7-9. Bring a phone!

The mountains are calling—and they’re glittering! The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 66th Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival, happening July 31 through August 3, 2025, in Spruce Pine, North Carolina—the Mineral City of the World.
This beloved event draws world-class gem, mineral, and jewelry dealers from across the country for four unforgettable days of shopping, exploring, and celebrating the natural treasures of our region. From sparkling gemstones and handcrafted jewelry to unique mineral specimens and rare geological finds, the festival has something for every collector, adventurer, and admirer of Earth’s wonders.
But that’s not all… Ready to dig in? This year’s festival also features the crowd-favorite Mine Tours—a rare chance to venture into a real, working mine in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grab a pick, get your hands dirty, and discover your own gems—and yes, you keep what you find! These tours sell out fast and require a separate ticket and advance reservation, so don’t wait to reserve your spot.
Come a little early and add to your list of exciting events! Join the race from the top of a local quartz mine to our beloved downtown Spruce Pine in the Top to Toe 5K happening Saturday, July 26th. It’s a fun morning in a favorite downhill run/walk event. (Visit WeRunEvents to sign up) And of course, you want to visit the Grassy Creek Outdoor Gem and Mineral Show beginning July 27th and running through August 3rd in Spruce Pine where you’ll find dozens of vendors showcasing their raw minerals, beads and more!
“This festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of our heritage, our resilience, and our comeback as a community,” said Patti Jensen, Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. “We invite everyone to experience the beauty of the mountains, the thrill of the find, and the spirit of Spruce Pine as we shine even brighter this year.”
Whether you’re a rockhound, a shopper, an adventurer—or just love a great mountain getaway—the NC Mineral and Gem Festival is the place to be this summer. Come for the crystals, stay for the charm, and support a community that’s rebuilding and rising.
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Festival Info:
📍 Three Peaks Center, 67 Hotel Place, Spruce Pine, NC
📅 July 31 – August 3, 2025
💎 Gem, Jewelry & Mineral Dealers from across the U.S.
⛏️ Real Mine Tours (separate ticket & reservation required)
Tickets, vendor lists, and mine tour reservations available at:
👉 www.ncgemfest.com
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The Penland Gallery presents Family Dinner, an exhibition of wood sculpture by artist Vivian Chiu, through August 30. A reception will be held on Friday, July 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM with an artist talk at 4:30 PM.

The pieces in the exhibition are vessel forms made from pine crate wood. The artist received a gift of wooden shipping crates from Wing On Wo and Co, the oldest continuously operated storefront in Manhattan’s Chinatown. She dismantled them, cut them into hundreds of carefully calculated pieces, and then reassembled them into vessel forms that echo the porcelain wares that were shipped in the crates. Some of the pieces incorporate marquetry to create narrative imagery evoking stories of Chiu’s childhood in Hong Kong.

The work is beautiful and evocative, the technical complexity and execution are remarkable, and it all adds up to a breathtaking exhibition.

Join the Greer Farmers Market for it's 10th Anniversary year in Greer, each Sunday from May-August, 11AM-2PM. 30+ Farmers, Makers, and Bakers are nestled in scenic Greer City Park along with live music, food trucks, and kids activities. Come shop and eat local with us. We are a SNAP retailer, Healthy Bucks site, and have more food assistance programs TBA. Learn more at GreerFarmersMarket.com.