The Mile High Fourth of July, a six-day celebration in the mountain resort towns of Beech Mountain and Banner Elk, features an impressive lineup of activities headlined by a free concert by Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the legendary rock band Boston.
DeCarlo’s evening concert on July 3 in the Beech Mountain kite field will feature many of Boston’s greatest songs, along with other classic rock hits.
All told, the Mile High Fourthoffers eight music performances, two barbecues, a wine & beer festival, mile high fireworks, live theater and a Main Street parade, from June 29 to July 4.
The festivities kick off Friday, June 29, with a concert in the Beech Mountain kite field by the Rockabilly’s, with food and beverages available next door at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria.
Saturday afternoon is highlighted by the Avery County Wine & Beer Festival with live music in Banner Elk and a Johnson Brothers concert at 5506’ Skybar at the top of Beech Mountain, followed that evening by the 47th annual Roasting of the Hog and mile-high fireworks show at Beech Mountain Resort.
Sunday includes mile high yoga at Beech Mountain Resort, along with a Lees-McRae Summer Theater performance of The Wiz and Ensemble Stage’s performance of Red, White & Tuna. Both theater productions are in Banner Elk.
Sunday evening is capped with a concert on the lawn by The Lucky Strikes at Beech Alpen Inn in Beech Mountain.
DeCarlo’s free concert on Beech Mountain is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., then the focus shifts to downtown Banner Elk on Wednesday for one of the top July 4th celebrations in the mountains.
Banner Elk’s Fourth of July parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and draws thousands to the resort town. After the parade, there is a noon barbecue with live music and craft beers on the lawn of the Perry House Bed and Breakfast. At 12:30 p.m., Banner Elk’s Party in the Park is a popular option with lunch from several vendors and traditional games like three-legged races, egg tosses and sack races.
Only four miles separate the North Carolina towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, so visitors can easily enjoy the festivities in both locations.
For a schedule of events and complete list of lodging options, visit www.MileHighFourth.com or call 800-468-5506.
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