Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

More than Mountains: Ranger-Led Talks and Activities (Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - Milepost 364)

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs ......More

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs range from forest ecology to historical handicrafts and everything in between. Come learn something new or revisit something familiar it’s all a key aspect of the Blue Ridge!

This talk will be outside the visitor center. In high winds or inclement weather, the talk will be canceled and we will set up an informal educational table indoors.

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

More than Mountains: Ranger-Led Talks and Activities (Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - Milepost 364)

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs ......More

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs range from forest ecology to historical handicrafts and everything in between. Come learn something new or revisit something familiar it’s all a key aspect of the Blue Ridge!

This talk will be outside the visitor center. In high winds or inclement weather, the talk will be canceled and we will set up an informal educational table indoors.

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

More than Mountains: Ranger-Led Talks and Activities (Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - Milepost 364)

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs ......More

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs range from forest ecology to historical handicrafts and everything in between. Come learn something new or revisit something familiar it’s all a key aspect of the Blue Ridge!

This talk will be outside the visitor center. In high winds or inclement weather, the talk will be canceled and we will set up an informal educational table indoors.

What Good is that Plant? - (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

  Caroline Brinegar was skilled at gathering wild, naturalized, and cultivated plants to use for medicine, food, and around-the-house hacks. Meet by the Brinegar Cabin parking lot (MP 238.5) to learn about some of these plants and their stories.  ...More

  Caroline Brinegar was skilled at gathering wild, naturalized, and cultivated plants to use for medicine, food, and around-the-house hacks. Meet by the Brinegar Cabin parking lot (MP 238.5) to learn about some of these plants and their stories.  

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 in Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Match That Mammal! (Peaks of Otter Visitor Center - Milepost 86)

Test your knowledge by matching the correct skulls, furs, and tracks together. Learn about some of the mammals that call the Blue Ridge Parkway home.

Located in the breezeway outside the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at Milepost 86 (85919 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA 24523).

A Wooded Walk: Guided, Low-Elevation Hike (Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center - Milepost 384)

Come join a ranger for a guided hike along our Visitor Center Loop Trail. A shaded path in the valley, it’s also a Kids In Parks TRACK Trail that's good for beginning hikers. We may learn to identify the trees along the way, look for small wildlife, or talk about the hi......More

Come join a ranger for a guided hike along our Visitor Center Loop Trail. A shaded path in the valley, it’s also a Kids In Parks TRACK Trail that's good for beginning hikers. We may learn to identify the trees along the way, look for small wildlife, or talk about the history of hiking (more recent than you might think!). While hike topics may change, the Loop Trail remains a consistent taste of the valley.The trail is 1.5 miles total, and is considered easy-to-moderate, on uneven terrain. Expect some roots, rocks, and mud if there has been rain recently.You must wear closed-toed shoes appropriate for a trail walk. Please bring water and rain gear in case of a turn in the weather. If there is light rain, the hike will continue if everyone is sufficiently prepared. In the event of thunder or other dangerous conditions, the hike will be canceled.

Meet at the flagpole in front of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

Historic Mill Open House (Mabry Mill - Milepost 176.2)

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Mabry Mill, a beloved Blue Ridge icon. Built by Ed Mabry with help from the local community in the early 1900s, this humble mill once bustled with the sounds of a working mountain hub. A sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop......More

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Mabry Mill, a beloved Blue Ridge icon. Built by Ed Mabry with help from the local community in the early 1900s, this humble mill once bustled with the sounds of a working mountain hub. A sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop powered daily life here, serving neighbors scattered across the rugged landscape.Today, the tradition of craftsmanship and community continues. Park employees will have the mill doors open for you, ready to welcome visitors inside to explore the machinery, hear the stories, and experience the lives shaped by this remarkable place.  

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill - Milepost 176.2

Guided Tour of Flat Top Manor (Moses H Cone Memorial Park - Parkway milepost 294)

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend t......More

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend the grand staircase of the Cone manor house, and peek into the past while touring the living spaces of this local industrialist. Learn about the legacy of the Cone family from Moses’ beginnings as a grocery salesman to the family’s patronage of the fine arts in Baltimore. Then join the ranks of the manor staff as you descend the steep and narrow servant’s stairs to visit the butler’s pantry and kitchen. Learn about the lives of the inside servants, the outdoor estate workers, and the ordinary folk who kept the 3,600 acre country estate in impeccable working order.IMPORTANT: All participants MUST be able to climb and descend two flights of stairs, as this historic building does not have an elevator. Guided tours are limited to 18 people and advance reservations are STRONGLY recommended. 

The Moses H. Cone Manor House is located at Milepost 294 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The two closest towns are Boone and Blowing Rock.

Fire, Iron, and Tradition: Mabry Mill Blacksmith Demonstration (Mabry Mill Blacksmith Shop - Milepost 176.2)

Experience the heat, rhythm, and skill of traditional Appalachian blacksmithing. Watch as Park staff shape iron into tools and art while sharing the stories of the people who relied on this essential craft. Discover how blacksmiths supported daily life in mountain commu......More

Experience the heat, rhythm, and skill of traditional Appalachian blacksmithing. Watch as Park staff shape iron into tools and art while sharing the stories of the people who relied on this essential craft. Discover how blacksmiths supported daily life in mountain communities and see history come alive at the forge. The Mabry Mill Blacksmith will be operating from 10:30am to 3:00pm.

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill Blacksmith Shop - Milepost 176.2

Fiddle & Fork Festival: Music & Foodways Day at the Blue Ridge Music Center (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

The Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant are excited to announce our participation in “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals” a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the nation’s re......More

The Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant are excited to announce our participation in “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals” a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the nation’s remarkable cultural landscape.Fiddle & Fork Festival presented by the Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant June 12-14 2026 will be a weekend-long celebration of 250 years of Blue Ridge music and foodways. This inaugural year of the festival will include:An immersive dinner at The Bluffs featuring locally-sourced ingredients and recipes with programming centered at the intersection of food and musicMusical performances and foodways presentations at the Blue Ridge Music Center culminating in a concert featuring the Steep Canyon RangersDemonstrations at The Bluffs showcasing traditional domestic crafts and methods of food preparation and preservationPerformances and interviews with the Blue Ridge Music Center’s Midday Mountain Music groups honoring 20 years of daily free music presentations and the contributions of these significant local musicians 

Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center Rd, Galax, VA 24333

Not Your Ordinary Destination (Peaks of Otter - Milepost 86)

Step into history with a Ranger as we unveil the fascinating story of the Wood Family, their Ordinary, and tourism at Peaks of Otter! Enjoy this 30-minute exploration into the history of the first public accommodation in Peaks of Otter—where it all began in the 1830s! D......More

Step into history with a Ranger as we unveil the fascinating story of the Wood Family, their Ordinary, and tourism at Peaks of Otter! Enjoy this 30-minute exploration into the history of the first public accommodation in Peaks of Otter—where it all began in the 1830s! Discover how this charming spot has been welcoming visitors for generations and continues to be a must-see for visitors today!A Ranger will be at Polly Wood's Ordinary from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Formal Ranger Talks will begin at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm and will last 30 minutes each. All NPS Blue Ridge Parkway programs are free and open to anyone. All ages welcome.

Polly Wood's Ordinary can be accessed from the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area or the Abbott Lake Trail located behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge.

Polly Wood's Ordinary Open House (Peaks of Otter - Milepost 86)

Step into history with a ranger as we unveil the fascinating story of the Wood Family, their Ordinary, and tourism at Peaks of Otter! Stop in and chat with the ranger, learn about the family, and play with some old-timey toys and games.A ranger will be at Polly Wood's O......More

Step into history with a ranger as we unveil the fascinating story of the Wood Family, their Ordinary, and tourism at Peaks of Otter! Stop in and chat with the ranger, learn about the family, and play with some old-timey toys and games.A ranger will be at Polly Wood's Ordinary from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. All NPS Blue Ridge Parkway programs are free and open to anyone. All ages welcome.

Polly Wood's Ordinary can be accessed from the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area or the Abbott Lake Trail located behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge.

More than Mountains: Ranger-Led Talks and Activities (Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - Milepost 364)

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs ......More

Craggy Gardens may be famous for it’s gorgeous views and natural grassy balds but there’s more to the mountains than meets the eye. What about watersheds salamanders and mica mines? Or the Civilian Conservation Corps ravens and ring-necked snakes? Our seasonal programs range from forest ecology to historical handicrafts and everything in between. Come learn something new or revisit something familiar it’s all a key aspect of the Blue Ridge!

This talk will be outside the visitor center. In high winds or inclement weather, the talk will be canceled and we will set up an informal educational table indoors.

History, Naturally: Ranger-Led Talks and Activities (Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center - Milepost 384)

The Blue Ridge mountains have a long history both when it comes to nature and when it comes to people. And park rangers get excited about all of it. There’s so much to cover we change the topics of our talks and activities often that way we can show off more of what’s i......More

The Blue Ridge mountains have a long history both when it comes to nature and when it comes to people. And park rangers get excited about all of it. There’s so much to cover we change the topics of our talks and activities often that way we can show off more of what’s important in our resource-rich region!We may be doing a deep dive into forest ecology. We might break out the tools for some traditional handicrafts. Or we may just decide to feature a favorite but neglected critter. Come for the surprise stay to find out why it matters!

This program will be inside the visitor center.

Camping in Black Bear Country (Peaks of Otter Campground - Milepost 86)

The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to black bears and people. Join a Ranger in the Peaks of Otter Campground for an introduction to black bear biology. Learn why it is important to recreate responsibly and ethically in black bear country. This 30-minute program will feature......More

The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to black bears and people. Join a Ranger in the Peaks of Otter Campground for an introduction to black bear biology. Learn why it is important to recreate responsibly and ethically in black bear country. This 30-minute program will feature a Ranger-led discussion and a touch-table for participants to interact with. Program will be at a camp site. Bring your own camping chairs, if you would like to sit. You do not need to be staying at the campground to attend.All Blue Ridge NPS Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.  

Program is located in the Peaks of Otter Campground (Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 85.9, Bedford, VA 24523). Bring your own camping chairs, if you would like to sit. Subject to cancelation or a change of location for inclement weather. 

An Evening With Steep Canyon Rangers - Deep Roots, Many Voices: Summer Outdoor Concert Series (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Steep Canyon RangersHailing from both the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina  Steep Canyon Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount while possessing an exceptional ability to bring it down the mountain and incorporate other influences from ......More

Steep Canyon RangersHailing from both the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina  Steep Canyon Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount while possessing an exceptional ability to bring it down the mountain and incorporate other influences from around region.With the band’s last few albums they have gained recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass earning a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today. Employing a thoughtful approach to collaboration ironclad creative trust and a collective drive towards authentic storytelling makes for not only a quintessential Rangers record but a modern North Carolina classic.Over the band’s esteemed career the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages. In 2013  Nobody Knows You won the GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album while 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category.Steep Canyon Rangers arrive at a moment of renewal and reaffirmation with Next Act their 15th studio album set to be released May 22 2026. The record represents a conscious tightening of focus: a return to the bluegrass foundations that first bound the band together approached with the confidence and emotional range earned through years of collective evolution. It is an affirmation that bluegrass still contains endless expressive possibility. Next Act finds the Rangers sounding deeply at home in their own musical language drawing strength from tradition while continuing to write new chapters within it.Steep Canyon Rangers a long-time fan favorite of Blue Ridge Music Center concert-goers is made up of Graham Sharp (banjo vocals) Mike Guggino (mandolin/mandola vocals) Aaron Burdett (guitar vocals) Nicky Sanders (fiddle vocals) Mike Ashworth (drums dobro guitar vocals) and Barrett Smith (bass guitar vocals).More information: Steep Canyon Rangers ADDITIONAL CONCERT DETAILS•  Ticket purchases are nonrefundable•  Concerts take place rain or shine•  Admission gates open at 5:45 p.m. concert begins at 7 p.m.•  This concert takes place in our uncovered outdoor amphitheater. Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating in the grass.•  Here in the mountains the weather forecast can change quickly. We recommend bringing layers and a rain jacket or umbrella in the event of a passing rain shower.•  Guests are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase from our on-site food vendor. No alcohol is allowed per National Park/Blue Ridge Parkway policies.•  Food vendor selection is not guaranteed – we recommended bringing water and snacks in case food vendor lines are long or they run out of food•  Alcohol drones pop-up tents and tables are not allowed in the amphitheater•  Dogs are permitted at most shows with the following rules: dogs must always be on leash guests with dogs are only permitted to sit on the hillside above the rock walls and not in the main seating area below the rock walls guests must clean up after their dogs if a dog’s behavior is interfering with other patrons’ enjoyment of the show the guest and dog may be asked to leave the amphitheater and no refund will be given. The Bluffs Restaurant will offer food and beverages for purchase during the concert. Visitors may bring their own food and beverages into the amphitheater. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Assistive listening devices are available for use during concerts. Guests wishing to borrow a free device should email [email protected] in advance of their visit.For more information view Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation concert FAQs

Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center Rd, Galax, VA 24333

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

Counting Butterflies as They Flutter by (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Become a citizen scientist and help spot, count, and record butterflies for the Carolina Butterfly Monitoring Program. You are guaranteed to learn to recognize several butterfly species by the end of this program. Meet by the Brinegar Cabin Garden located at Milepost 2......More

 Become a citizen scientist and help spot, count, and record butterflies for the Carolina Butterfly Monitoring Program. You are guaranteed to learn to recognize several butterfly species by the end of this program. Meet by the Brinegar Cabin Garden located at Milepost 238.5 at 10 AM for a slow 1.4-mile stroll to the A Loop of Doughton Park Campground. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars if you have them.90 minutes plus return walk back to the Brinegar Cabin parking area. 

Doughton Park located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking lot next to Brinegar Cabin and follow the paved path to the garden.

Historic Mill Open House (Mabry Mill - Milepost 176.2)

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Mabry Mill, a beloved Blue Ridge icon. Built by Ed Mabry with help from the local community in the early 1900s, this humble mill once bustled with the sounds of a working mountain hub. A sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop......More

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Mabry Mill, a beloved Blue Ridge icon. Built by Ed Mabry with help from the local community in the early 1900s, this humble mill once bustled with the sounds of a working mountain hub. A sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop powered daily life here, serving neighbors scattered across the rugged landscape.Today, the tradition of craftsmanship and community continues. Park employees will have the mill doors open for you, ready to welcome visitors inside to explore the machinery, hear the stories, and experience the lives shaped by this remarkable place.  

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill - Milepost 176.2

Fire, Iron, and Tradition: Mabry Mill Blacksmith Demonstration (Mabry Mill Blacksmith Shop - Milepost 176.2)

Experience the heat, rhythm, and skill of traditional Appalachian blacksmithing. Watch as Park staff shape iron into tools and art while sharing the stories of the people who relied on this essential craft. Discover how blacksmiths supported daily life in mountain commu......More

Experience the heat, rhythm, and skill of traditional Appalachian blacksmithing. Watch as Park staff shape iron into tools and art while sharing the stories of the people who relied on this essential craft. Discover how blacksmiths supported daily life in mountain communities and see history come alive at the forge. The Mabry Mill Blacksmith will be operating from 10:30am to 3:00pm.

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill Blacksmith Shop - Milepost 176.2

Fiddle & Fork Festival: Foodways Demonstrations at The Bluffs (Doughton Park - Milepost 238)

The Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant are excited to announce our participation in “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals” a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the nation’s re......More

The Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant are excited to announce our participation in “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals” a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the nation’s remarkable cultural landscape.Fiddle & Fork Festival presented by the Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant June 12-14 2026 will be a weekend-long celebration of 250 years of Blue Ridge music and foodways. This inaugural year of the festival will include:An immersive dinner at The Bluffs featuring locally-sourced ingredients and recipes with programming centered at the intersection of food and musicMusical performances and foodways presentations at the Blue Ridge Music Center culminating in a concert featuring the Steep Canyon RangersDemonstrations at The Bluffs showcasing traditional domestic crafts and methods of food preparation and preservationPerformances and interviews with the Blue Ridge Music Center’s Midday Mountain Music groups honoring 20 years of daily free music presentations and the contributions of these significant local musicians Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center website for more information

The Bluffs Restaurant at Milepost 238 on the Blue Ridge Parkway 45338 Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs, NC 28644

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Guided Tour of Flat Top Manor (Moses H Cone Memorial Park - Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 294)

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend t......More

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend the grand staircase of the Cone manor house, and peek into the past while touring the living spaces of this local industrialist. Learn about the legacy of the Cone family from Moses’ beginnings as a grocery salesman to the family’s patronage of the fine arts in Baltimore. Then join the ranks of the manor staff as you descend the steep and narrow servant’s stairs to visit the butler’s pantry and kitchen. Learn about the lives of the inside servants, the outdoor estate workers, and the ordinary folk who kept the 3,600 acre country estate in impeccable working order.IMPORTANT: All participants MUST be able to climb and descend two flights of stairs, as this historic building does not have an elevator. Guided tours are limited to 18 people.

The Moses H. Cone Manor House is located at Milepost 294 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The two closest towns are Boone and Blowing Rock.

Milepost Music (Mabry Mill - Milepost 176)

Free traditional music concerts featuring local & regional mountain musicians. Bring your chairs or a blanket to spread out and enjoy the wodnerful traditional mountain music. The concerts are cancelled if there is thunder and lightning.

266 Mabry Mill Road SEMeadows of Dan, VA 24120

Milepost Music (Doughton Park - Milepost 238)

Free traditional music concerts featuring local & regional mountain musicians. Bring your chairs or a blanket to spread out and enjoy the wodnerful traditional mountain music. The concerts are cancelled if there is thunder and lightning.

49800 Blue Ridge ParkwayLaurel Springs, NC 28644

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Brinegar Cabin Open House (Doughton Park - Milepost 238.5)

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see what......More

 Step back into the late 1800s at one of Doughton Park’s most cherished historic sites. Completed in 1889, the Brinegar family home offers visitors a window into mountain life shaped by resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Also, walk through the garden and see whats growing! Rangers and volunteers are on site to share stories of the Brinegar Family. 

Brinegar Cabin is located at milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the parking and follow the paved walkway to the cabin.

Historic Mill Open House (Mabry Mill - Milepost 176.2)

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Mabry Mill, a beloved Blue Ridge icon. Built by Ed Mabry with help from the local community in the early 1900s, this humble mill once bustled with the sounds of a working mountain hub. A sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop......More

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Mabry Mill, a beloved Blue Ridge icon. Built by Ed Mabry with help from the local community in the early 1900s, this humble mill once bustled with the sounds of a working mountain hub. A sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop powered daily life here, serving neighbors scattered across the rugged landscape.Today, the tradition of craftsmanship and community continues. Park employees will have the mill doors open for you, ready to welcome visitors inside to explore the machinery, hear the stories, and experience the lives shaped by this remarkable place.  

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill - Milepost 176.2

Guided Tour of Flat Top Manor (Moses H Cone Memorial Park - Parkway milepost 294)

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend t......More

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend the grand staircase of the Cone manor house, and peek into the past while touring the living spaces of this local industrialist. Learn about the legacy of the Cone family from Moses’ beginnings as a grocery salesman to the family’s patronage of the fine arts in Baltimore. Then join the ranks of the manor staff as you descend the steep and narrow servant’s stairs to visit the butler’s pantry and kitchen. Learn about the lives of the inside servants, the outdoor estate workers, and the ordinary folk who kept the 3,600 acre country estate in impeccable working order.IMPORTANT: All participants MUST be able to climb and descend two flights of stairs, as this historic building does not have an elevator. Guided tours are limited to 18 people and advance reservations are STRONGLY recommended. 

The Moses H. Cone Manor House is located at Milepost 294 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The two closest towns are Boone and Blowing Rock.

Fire, Iron, and Tradition: Mabry Mill Blacksmith Demonstration (Mabry Mill Blacksmith Shop - Milepost 176.2)

Experience the heat, rhythm, and skill of traditional Appalachian blacksmithing. Watch as Park staff shape iron into tools and art while sharing the stories of the people who relied on this essential craft. Discover how blacksmiths supported daily life in mountain commu......More

Experience the heat, rhythm, and skill of traditional Appalachian blacksmithing. Watch as Park staff shape iron into tools and art while sharing the stories of the people who relied on this essential craft. Discover how blacksmiths supported daily life in mountain communities and see history come alive at the forge. The Mabry Mill Blacksmith will be operating from 10:30am to 3:00pm.

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mabry Mill Blacksmith Shop - Milepost 176.2

Midday Mountain Music (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each d......More

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located on Music Center Road, Galax, VA 24333 or milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Martha Bassett Show - Deep Roots, Many Voices: Summer Outdoor Concert Series (Blue Ridge Music Center - Milepost 213)

The Martha Bassett ShowThe Martha Bassett Show is a weekly live radio program airing on 88.5 WFDD that blends the fabric of the national roots and Americana scene with the rich artistry history and flair of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Helmed by one of the state’s ......More

The Martha Bassett ShowThe Martha Bassett Show is a weekly live radio program airing on 88.5 WFDD that blends the fabric of the national roots and Americana scene with the rich artistry history and flair of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Helmed by one of the state’s most distinguished musicians the live show features national artists fresh local faces and the music of Martha Bassett. This live taping will feature special guests collaborating in song and conversation with Martha and her band.Martha Bassett has been making music in NC and beyond for over twenty years. With eleven albums under her belt she transcends genre in her artistry and spirit. Her caramel-toned alto sounds right home in the music of many varieties from Americana to jazz folk to country gospel she always sounds exactly like herself. Martha is passionate about collaboration between artists of varying styles cultures and generations and particularly wants to support her sister musicians.More information: The Martha Bassett ShowADDITIONAL CONCERT DETAILS•  Ticket purchases are nonrefundable•  Concerts take place rain or shine•  Admission gates open at 5:45 p.m. concert begins at 7 p.m.•  This concert takes place in our uncovered outdoor amphitheater. Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating in the grass.•  Here in the mountains the weather forecast can change quickly. We recommend bringing layers and a rain jacket or umbrella in the event of a passing rain shower.•  Guests are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase from our on-site food vendor. No alcohol is allowed per National Park/Blue Ridge Parkway policies.•  Food vendor selection is not guaranteed – we recommended bringing water and snacks in case food vendor lines are long or they run out of food•  Alcohol drones pop-up tents and tables are not allowed in the amphitheater•  Dogs are permitted at most shows with the following rules: dogs must always be on leash guests with dogs are only permitted to sit on the hillside above the rock walls and not in the main seating area below the rock walls guests must clean up after their dogs if a dog’s behavior is interfering with other patrons’ enjoyment of the show the guest and dog may be asked to leave the amphitheater and no refund will be given. The Bluffs Restaurant will offer food and beverages for purchase during the concert. Visitors may bring their own food and beverages into the amphitheater. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Assistive listening devices are available for use during concerts. Guests wishing to borrow a free device should email [email protected] in advance of their visit.For more information view Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation concert FAQs

Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center Rd, Galax, VA 24333